American Indian Summer Bridge (AISB) Program

2025_aisb_page.pngThe American Indian Summer Bridge provides a summer residential program for 1st-semester American Indian/Indigenous freshmen students at The University of New Mexico-Central Campus to experience college campus life, engage in cultural & community events, provide introduction to college level courses, and establish a competitive GPA. Preparing participants for success at UNM, establishing valuable friendships & networks, and providing a smooth transition from high school to college life are additional components of American Indian Summer Bridge.


Fall Experience HTML Code

 

2024 AISB Fall Experience components:

 

Eligibility

  • 2024 High School Graduate
  • Admitted to UNM-Main Campus as a 1st-semester Freshman Student for Fall 2024
  • Minimum High School GPA of 2.75
  • Enrolled Member of a Federally Recognized Tribe - a copy of a Certificate of Indian Blood (CIB) OR Proof of Tribal Enrollment is required to complete the online application
  • Completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for 2024-2025
    • UNM School Code - 002663

Pre-Program Meeting

Participants meet with American Indian Student Services (AISS) to discuss academic plans, review completed scholarship applications, and assess first-year financial aid status and processes.


FYEX 1110 - Seminar: Introduction to UNM-AISB |
First Semester Experience

The First-Year Experience course provides participants with the necessary skills for success at The University of New Mexico. This semester-long course (16 weeks) focuses on University academic & social advancement, educational skill workshops, team-building opportunities, and campus network engagement. Concentrated effort in the areas of scholarship processes, scholarship preparation activities, budgeting exercises, study skills development, and introduction/exposure to various campus resources are additional elements of the course.


Benefits

  • Learn how to navigate the University system
  • Develop an undergraduate experience roadmap
  • Receive personalized financial aid guidance & academic support
  • Identify, apply for, and secure ongoing scholarship opportunities
  • Build friendships & expand campus networks
  • A $3,000 scholarship to support first-year Cost of Attendance upon successful completion of the course & program requirements

Requirements & Expectations

  • Submit a completed 2024 AISB Fall Experience application - PRIORITY consideration will be given to applications received by Friday, June 28, 2024.
  • Complete a mandatory individual Pre-Program Meeting by Friday, August 9, 2024.
  • Register for a New Student Orientation session - https://nso.unm.edu/.
  • Commit to the entire 16-week Fall Experience scheduled from August 19 – December 14, 2024.
  • Attend all scheduled team-building activities & workshops that take place during class time and/or at a time determined by participants.
  • Complete a minimum of four (4) Fall 2024 semester progress check-in sessions held during Week #4, Week #7, Week #12, and Week #15.
  • Engage & participate in student support programming provided by American Indian Student Services.
  • Attend & complete all weekly study hour sessions.
  • Maintain a minimum 2.5 semester & cumulative GPA and complete at least 15 credit hours for Fall 2024 and 15 new credit hours for Spring 2025.
  • Complete & submit the 2025-2026 FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) by November 1, 2024.
  • Comply with all UNM campus policies regarding safety, conduct, academic honesty, and behavior. Please refer to The Pathfinder – UNM Student Handbook.
  • Meet with the American Indian Student Services advisement staff for a minimum of FOUR (4) consecutive semesters following the 2024 AISB Fall Experience.

 Applications is now CLOSED. Email aisb@unm.edu for any questions.

APPLY TO AISB:

Please review the following instructions in its ENTIRETY before starting the 2024  American Indian Summer Bridge Program Application.

**Check your email regularly as all updates will be sent to the email provided in your application**

Applications WILL NOT be considered complete until both required supporting documents have been submitted.

PARTICIPANT EXPECTATIONS:

  • Participants must commit to one week (arrive on Saturday, depart the following Saturday) academic & residential program.
  • Participants are required to live on campus in the selected Residence Hall for the duration of the program experience.
  • Participants AND parent/legal guardian must attend the Orientation on Day 1 (July 20, 2024).
  • Participants must secure transportation to UNM-Main Campus at the start of the program on July 20, 2024, AND from UNM-Main Campus at the conclusion of the Program on July 27, 2024.
  • Register for a New Student Orientation (NSO) session ASAP - https://nso.unm.edu/. Admitted students must have attended an NSO session before July 20, 2024.
  • Successfully fulfill the course requirement & earn a minimum grade of "C" (not "C-") or better. The course will take place Monday through Friday - 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
  • Participant must comply with all UNM campus policies regarding safety, conduct, academic honesty, and behavior. Please refer to The Pathfinder – UNM Student Handbook.
  • Meet with the American Indian Student Services advisement staff for a minimum of FOUR(4) consecutive 16-week semesters following the AISB Program.
  • Engage in student support programming provided by American Indian Student Services.
  • Admitted to UNM-Main Campus for Fall 2024 semester.

2025_aisb_page.png

American Indian Summer Bridge Applicant MUST:


2024 Summer Bridge Admission - Minimum Requirements

  • 2024 High School Graduate
  • Admitted to UNM-Main Campus as a 1st-semester Freshman for Fall 2024
  • Minimum High School GPA of 2.5
  • Enrolled Member of a Federally Recognized Tribe - a copy of your Certificate of Indian Blood (CIB) OR Proof of Tribal Enrollment is required to complete the online application
  • Completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for 2024-2025
  • Registered for and attended New Student Orientation (NSO) before July 20, 2024

2024 Summer Bridge Financial Aid Requirements

NOTE: Your UNM Financial Aid Packages must be completed to be admitted into the AISB Program. To check your status,
  • Log into my.unm.edu with your UNM NetId (Username) & Password,
  • Click “ENTER LOBOWEB.”
  • Click the “Financial Aid” tab,
  • Select “Eligibility Requirements.”
  • Select appropriate aid year (ex. 2024-2025)
  • Any “Unsatisfied Requirements” will be listed here with details on how to address missing requirements/documents.

Submit the AISB Online Application: Apply Here

The AISB application consists of Parts I-IV
Part I: Applicant Information
Part II: Legal Parent/Guardian Information
Part III: Personal Statement

Your Personal Statement will be rated for content & serve as a PRIMARY COMPONENT of your AISB Program application. The Personal Statement needs to be formatted as a short essay that answers the prompts below, in 500-750 characters

Provide as much detail as possible for the Selection Committee to consider.

The following questions must be addressed in the Personal Statement:

  • Introduce yourself, where you're from, and why you want to participate in the 2024 American Indian Summer Bridge (AISB) Program
  • Share your academic & career goals and how you anticipate the AISB experience will help you be successful.
  • What will you contribute to the AISB Program? How will your contributions benefit the faculty, staff, and fellow participants (leadership qualities, initiative, commitment, etc.)?
  • Include any other information you feel the Selection Committee should consider.
  • NOTE: There is a minimum of 500 characters and maximum of 750 characters for the personal statement.
Part IV: Supporting Documents and Confirmation
  1. You will have the option of pausing & saving your application, be sure to check your email to re-access your application. Note: Check your junk mail if you cannot see your email to access your saved application.
  2. To complete your 2024 American Indian Summer Bridge Program Application, the following documents must be submitted:
    • Certificate of Indian Blood (CIB) OR Proof of Tribal Enrollment
    • UNM Letter of Admission - if unable to locate the Letter of Admission, contact UNM Admissions at 505-277-8900 to request a replacement copy.
  1. Electronically sign the application & Submit application 

**Applicant will receive an email confirmation after application is submitted.**

No longer accepting applications. If you have any questions, please email aisb@unm.edu. Thank you.