Summer Bridge Program

Summer Bridge is a free program that helps graduating high school seniors get a head start on college classes during the summer after graduation.

Earn up to seven college credit hours at Central Piedmont over the course of six weeks during the summer. Through Summer Bridge, you can successfully transition from high school to college in a closed, structured, and supervised environment.

Tuition, books, and fees are covered for program participants. However, you are responsible for other costs, like laptops and school supplies.

Attend a Virtual Information Session

Upcoming information sessions:

  • March 11, 6-7 PM
  • March 25, 6-7 PM
  • April 6, 6-7 PM

Register to attend an information session.

Summer Bridge Dates and Locations

  • Dates

    June 15 - July 23, 2026

    Classes are held Monday–Thursday, 8 AM -12:20 PM. Two additional mandatory activities will be held during class times

  • Locations

    Cato, Central, Merancas, and Levine campuses*

    *Campuses subject to change based on enrollment numbers

Highlights and Benefits

Full scholarships are available if you are selected for the program. Financial advising is also available.

If you enroll at Central Piedmont in the fall, you will continue to receive student support services.

Additionally, students will:

  • Receive personalized guidance and mentorship.

  • Learn in a closed, focused, and in-person environment.

  • Learn what will be expected of you in college so you can start your college career with momentum, clarity, and self-confidence.

  • Participate in activities designed to build your academic skills and create a sense of community.

  • Get a head start on college courses or a program at Central Piedmont or so you can transfer to a four-year school in NC.

Eligibility

If you live in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg area and will be attending Central Piedmont in the fall, you will get first priority for the Summer Bridge program. However, planning to attend Central Piedmont is not a requirement to be admitted.

We review applicants using a holistic approach that considers academic interests, life experiences, and diverse backgrounds, in addition to academic profiles.

The minimum eligibility requirements are:

  • Graduating high school senior

  • Minimum GPA of 2.0 (students with lower GPAs are still welcome to apply; a brief interview will be required)

  • Attend a participating CMS public or private school.

Apply for Summer Bridge

The deadline to apply for Summer Bridge is May 1, 2026. We review applications on a rolling basis and will email you your application decision by late May 2026.

Application

Summer Bridge Application 2026 is now open

After Acceptance/Program Requirements

If admitted to Summer Bridge program:

  • You must complete the acceptance form provided after completing the Summer Bridge application.

  • You must complete the acceptance form provided to you from the summer bridge coordinator.

  • You must attend one Summer Bridge welcome session (dates coming soon). 

  • Make sure your Central Piedmont email is active. That will be the only email we will use to communicate with you moving forward. Keep an eye out on email communication about enrolling in your class(es) as well as a welcome packet.

  • You may not miss class or any required activity for things like work or family vacations. You are only allowed one unexcused absence during the program. If you have two absences or more, you will be dismissed from the program.

  • Do not register for your classes — Summer Bridge staff will register you.

    You are required to stay enrolled in your courses for the duration of the program.

    We will register you in classes based on your high school GPA, test scores, or college credits that are available by the start of the program.

    (All your transcripts and placement, AP, and/or IB test scores must be available before May 1 to determine your class enrollment.)

The Latest at Central Piedmont