American Indian Summer Bridge (AISB) Program
The 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
- 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.
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
- Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for 2024-2025
- If necessary, submit any additional required documentation to UNM Financial Aid, to complete your 2024-2025 Financial Aid Packages
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.