VCU Career Bridge Program

Incoming Pell-eligible first-year students are encouraged to apply for the Career Bridge Program. Selected participants will receive:

  • Financial support towards the cost of your education, including assistance for tuition, textbooks, and technology/supplies totalling at least $13,000 for one year
  • Access to paid work-based learning opportunities aligned with your career goals, such as on-campus jobs and/or internships
  • Dedicated career and academic coaching
  • A financial success coach to help you build and maintain a budget
  • A supportive network of advisors, VCU alumni, and peers
  • Numerous valuable experiential learning opportunities

To maintain eligibility for funding as part of the Career Bridge Program, participants will need to:
• Be a full-time student and maintain satisfactory academic progress during their first year.
• Attend required meetings with their academic advisor, career advisor, academic coach, financial success coach, and the Career Bridge program coordinator each semester during their first year.
• Obtain and work at least 10 hours a week in an on-campus job beginning in the fall semester (with the support of your career advisor and academic coach)
• Attend at least two designated Career Bridge events each semester during their first year. Career Bridge events include networking events, employer site visits, Discovery Camp for undeclared students, the Majors Fair, a Career Fairs
• Register for and complete the Career Bridge section of a one-credit student success course (UNIV191) during your first semester. Students involved with another program that requires a section of UNIV191 do not need to register for the Career Bridge section

This application is due by 11:59 p.m. on July 27th. Decisions will be communicated with selected applicants by the end of July.

Award
Up to $13,000
Deadline
07/20/2026
Supplemental Questions
  1. The Career Bridge Program includes required advising meetings, on-campus work, career events, and coaching throughout the academic year. In 100 - 200 words, which of these components do you anticipate being most valuable to your growth, and how do you plan to actively engage with the program?
  2. Every student’s path to college is different. In 100–200 words, tell us about what brought you to this point. What experiences or people have shaped your decision to pursue a college education?
  3. What do you hope to accomplish during your time at VCU and beyond? In 100-200 words, share how you believe the Career Bridge Program can support you in reaching your academic and career goals.