In the Bridge Program, you can form lasting relationships with your colleagues. A group that met in 2016 in Bridge as freshman, came back together as a group to deliver their senior software engineering year project in the Spring of 2020. Five of the six members of Team Rezzi were in the CS Bridge program (Katarina Gregurich, Kai Hoffman, Aaron Lynn, Conley Utz, Megan Walsh, Riley Turbull). At the beginning of every Bridge class I tell the students that they will form friendships that will carry throughout their academic year and likely the rest of their time at Purdue.  - Professor Dunsmore

The Bridge Program is a wonderful opportunity for incoming freshman. In my interface with students who were in the program when they began their Purdue education, I see many exhibiting engagement, great progression of skills, and learning attitudes. So in addition to the head start on technical skills, the 'soft' skills are being nurtured, helping to make well-rounded students which in turn is interesting to companies. - Raytheon

Purdue's Computer Science Bridge is a terrific program that offers incoming freshmen with a passion for computer science an opportunity to ramp up their programming skills prior to the first day of class. The coordinated networking opportunities with corporate partners provide students with the unique chance to ask experienced professionals about potential careers. - Lilly

"Bridge is one of the best decisions I’ve made regarding my college life. If you’re inexperienced with programming or its concepts, I personally wholeheartedly recommend signing up for Bridge. I had no programming experience at all prior to coming to Purdue, and the Bridge program helped me to transition into the semester smoothly. It was sometimes frustrating during Bridge because the content is new and challenging. However, it’s all part of the journey, and when you keep persevering and working hard, you get it eventually. 

Not only was I able to set the foundations so that I was not completely overwhelmed when the semester started, I also met so many amazing friends through this program. They are some of my closest friends now, and knowing friends/classmates in the same major/classes as you is a huge advantage, as you have that supportive community and can help each other. 

• Hyunji “Sophia” Cho, Bridge Alumni '23 and TA '24, '25, & '26

"Bridge helps assuage every worry you could possibly have about college. You make friendships that last throughout college, experience what a college-level computer science course is like, and get a few weeks to settle in before regular classes begin."

• Truman Mohr, Bridge TA '23, '24, & '25

I feel as if the Bridge program amply prepared me for what was to come in CS 18000. I felt well prepared for the coding aspect of the class as well as other important things like where to go for help and how to use coding-related software. The Bridge program also allowed me to make some of my closest friends all while working on bettering my coding skills. I would most certainly recommend Bridge for anyone who is uncertain about their coding skills before starting in the Fall.

• John Griffin Long, Bridge Alumni '22 and Bridge TA '23

When I arrived at Purdue, I had very little programming experience. Although the Bridge Program was fast-paced and challenging, it gave me a strong foundation in programming that made my first CS courses, especially CS 180, much easier to navigate. The early exposure helped me feel more confident in my coursework and ultimately led me to return as a Bridge TA for the next two summers. The experience and network I built through the program and the CS Department also played a key role in helping me land a great role at Lockheed Martin after graduating.

• Henry Balagtas, Bridge Almuni '22 and Bridge TA '23 & '24

The Bridge Program is a great way to transition into college life at Purdue, not only because of the technical skills you’ll learn, but also because of the lasting friendships you can form there. I met many of my closest friends through Bridge and am still in touch with them today, even after graduation. The experience had such a meaningful impact on me that I returned as a teaching assistant for three more summers after my freshman year. Now, about one year post graduation, I work at a startup company in Fishers that helps businesses automate processes using AI. I’m grateful for the jump start Bridge gave me into computer science, and for all of the wonderful people I was able to meet there.

• Shelby Joyner, Bridge Alumni '21 and Bridge TA '22, '23, & '24