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.

• 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 13. We are here to help with this application — but spots are limited, so start today!

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