The eight-week Summer Bridge component of the program is designed to help students make a successful transition from undergraduate to graduate school. All first year Meyerhoff Graduate Fellows are strongly encouraged to participate. It is important for the students to have a complete understanding of the nature of graduate study, how it differs from the traditional undergraduate experience, and what it means to be a researcher. The goal of the Summer Bridge is to initiate a sense of discipline and commitment among scholars who are dedicated to the achievement of excellence in graduate school. It is important for participants to “bond” with each other during the eight-week program since they will become the nucleus of each other’s support system throughout graduate school. Students receive salary support for participation in the program.