Bridges Opens Applications for First-Gen Summer Institute, Connecting Students to Davis New Mexico Scholarship Opportunity
Students participate in the Bridges First-Gen Summer Institute in June 2025. The free, three-day overnight program supports first-generation high school students in Northern New Mexico with college applications, scholarships, and advising. (Photo courtesy of Bridges Project for Education)
Bridges Project for Education is now accepting applications for the 2026 Bridges First-Gen Summer Institute, a free, three-day overnight college preparation program for rising high school seniors who will be the first in their families to earn a four-year college degree. The program is offered as a Davis New Mexico Scholarship partnership, giving participants eligibility to apply for one of New Mexico’s most comprehensive college scholarships.
“The First-Gen Summer Institute is designed to give students both practical tools and confidence as they head into their senior year,” said Hannah Gunther, executive director of Bridges Project for Education. “Students receive hands-on support with college applications, essays, and financial aid, while also learning how to advocate for themselves in academic spaces that may feel unfamiliar at first.”
The program will take place in late June 2026 at a location to be announced. Applications are due Sunday, April 12, and students will be notified of selection decisions in early May.
“As a Davis New Mexico Scholarship Partnership, this program opens the door to a full cost-of-attendance college scholarship,” Gunther said. “That means students who complete the institute become eligible to apply for a scholarship that can cover tuition, housing, books and other essential college expenses.”
The Davis New Mexico Scholarship supports first-generation students attending partner colleges across the country and provides not only financial support but a strong emphasis on persistence through graduation.
Eligibility for the First-Gen Summer Institute is intentionally broad. Students must be current high school juniors (Class of 2027) with a GPA of 2.5 or higher and must be first-generation college-bound, meaning no parent or guardian has earned a four-year college degree.
“If a sibling or cousin has a degree, that does not disqualify a student,” Gunther said. “Students who have questions about eligibility are encouraged to contact Bridges directly by email or phone,” Gunther said.
The program serves students living in or attending school in the greater Taos community, including Taos County and surrounding areas such as Questa, Peñasco, Red River, Eagle Nest, Dixon, and Mora.
“This is a completely free program,” Gunther said. “Bridges covers lodging, meals, and all program materials so that cost is never a barrier for students or families.”
In addition to the summer institute, participants receive continued one-on-one support from Bridges counselors throughout their senior year, including help with college applications, scholarship searches beyond Davis, and comparing financial aid offers.
“The summer experience is just the beginning,” Gunther said. “Our counselors stay with students through one of the most important transitions of their lives, making sure they don’t have to navigate the college process alone.”
Applications for the 2026 First-Gen Summer Institute are now open. Students may apply online and are encouraged to schedule an appointment with a Bridges counselor for assistance. Families with questions may contact Hannah Gunther at hannah@bridgesproject.org.
About Bridges Project for Education
Bridges Project for Education is a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing access to college and vocational training for students of all ages in Taos County and Northern New Mexico. The organization offers free, individualized counseling and guidance on applications, admissions, financial aid, and career pathways.
For more information contact Hannah directly.