Bridges First-Gen Summer Institute

A Free College Prep Program for First-Generation Students

The Bridges First-Gen Summer Institute is a Davis New Mexico Scholarship Partnership and a free three-day, overnight program designed for rising high school seniors (class of 2027) in Northern New Mexico who will be the first in their families to earn a four-year college degree. Participants will receive hands-on support with the college application process from Bridges counselors and college admissions professionals, scholarship guidance, and self-advocacy skills to navigate higher education successfully.

Program Details

First-Gen Summer Institute

Free, three-day/night program for first-generation college-bound high school seniors in Northern New Mexico…

The application for summer 2026 has closed.

Applicants can expect to hear back in early May.

What our students have to say.

Hear from Gabby and Madeline about their experiences at the First-Gen Summer Institute.

FAQs

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FAQs *

  • To be eligible to apply for the First-Gen Summer Institute, students should:

    • Be a current junior in high school with a GPA at or above 2.5.

    • Be in the first generation in their immediate family to earn a four-year college degree.

      • This means that if you have a sibling or a cousin with a four-year degree, you are still first-generation!

    • Live or attend school in the greater Taos community. This includes any student living or attending school in Taos County (i.e. Questa, Peñasco, Red River, etc.) and any student living or attending school near Taos County (i.e. Eagle Nest, Dixon, Mora, etc.)

      • We do not have strict boundaries for what qualifies as the greater Taos community–if you’re wondering if you’re eligible, you probably are! 

  • We define first generation college students as students whose parents/guardian did not earn a bachelor’s degree. That means if you have a parent with an associate’s degree or a sibling or cousin who has a four-year degree, you are still eligible for the First-Gen Summer Institute at Bridges.

    Have questions about whether you qualify? Email hannah@bridgesproject.org

  • The program is completely free! Bridges covers all lodging, meals, and program materials.

  • You’ll receive expert guidance on college applications, financial aid, and scholarships, plus mentorship to help you navigate the transition to college.

  • We are looking for first-generation students in our community who are academically driven, curious, and open-minded about the college process. Much like many college admissions committees, we take a holistic approach in our selection process. We consider not only academic performance but also how students spend their time outside the classroom, their essay responses, and their overall potential for growth.

  • Click the Apply button on this page to submit your application by April 12. We are here to help with this application — book an appointment here!

  • Participants will receive ongoing support from Bridges counselors throughout their senior year to stay on track with their college goals.

  • They can contact Hannah Gunther at hannah@bridgesproject.org

What you’ll gain:

  • Learn more here.

“I used to feel lost when it came to college. No one in my family has a four-year degree, so I did not know where to start.  The First-Gen Summer Institute answered my questions. It pushed me to step out of my comfort zone and gain an idea of what college is like.”

Jessica Rosales, Taos High Class of 2027