Career Bridge Program
The VCU Career Bridge Program supports incoming Pell Grant-eligible first-year students by providing significant financial resources, academic and career advising, and meaningful work-based learning opportunities —all designed to help you graduate on time, with less debt, and a clearer path to your career.
This program is designed to help you build confidence, develop professional skills, and access the tools and people you need to thrive, starting from your very first semester. There is no high school GPA requirement for this opportunity - we welcome all incoming Pell-eligible Rams to apply!
Benefits
- Financial support towards the cost of your education, including assistance for tuition, textbooks, technology/supplies, job-ready clothing, and a professional association membership, totalling at least $13,450 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
Program Requirements and Details
To maintain eligibility for funding as part of the Career Bridge Program, you’ll need to:
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress during your first year.
- Attend required meetings with your academic advisor, career advisor, academic coach and financial success coach each semester during your first year.
- Work at least 10 hours a week in an on-campus job during Fall and Spring semesters (with the support of your career advisor and academic coach)
- Attend at least three designated Career Bridge events each semester during your first year. Career Bridge events include networking events, employer site visits, Discovery Camp for undeclared students, the Majors Fair, a Career Fair, and other experiences designed to support your academic and career progress.
- Register for and complete a section of a one-credit student success course (UNIV101, 103, or 191) during your first semester
This program is generously funded by a grant from the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) for one year only. The grant is currently not renewable, pending any future additional funding from SCHEV.
Application Timeline
- July 21 - Application Deadline
- July 22 - July 25 - Application Review
- Aug 8 - Commitment Deadline
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How to Apply
Applications are now open!
The form takes only a few minutes to complete. You’ll share about what being at VCU means for you and your long-term goals in a few sentences.
Submit your application through the Rams Scholarship Hub.
Students will need to complete their general Rams Scholarship Hub application in order to complete the brief Career Bridge Program application.
Questions? Email us at fyesye@vcu.edu.
FAQs
The program is designed for incoming VCU first-year Pell Grant-eligible students interested in helping cover the cost of their education and receiving academic, financial and career development support.
Pell Grant eligibility is determined through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The Pell Grant is typically available to students with significant financial need. If you’re not sure of your eligibility, view your FAFSA Submission Summary at StudentAid.gov or contact the VCU Student Financial Management Center at sfmc@vcu.edu.
No. The program is open to students with declared majors and those who have not yet declared a major. This program will be particularly beneficial for undeclared students or students who have not yet been admitted to their intended academic program. One of our goals is to help you explore potential career paths and make informed academic choices.
No. While recruitment begins in the summer, the Career Bridge Program is designed to support you throughout your first year at VCU and help lay a foundation for long-term success.
If you’re selected for one of the 25 spots in the Career Bridge Program and successfully meet all program requirements during your first year, you will receive:
- $10,000 ($5,000 each semester) in one-time grant funding to apply towards the cost of your education
- $3,000 ($1,500 each semester) in RamBucks, which can be used to pay for textbooks, supplies, printing, food, health care, and more at various locations on and off campus
- $400 to spend on job-ready clothing to make sure you’re ready for that interview, networking opportunity, or first day on the job
- $50 to spend on membership to a professional association or organization. VCU Major Maps (one of the best resources to support your career development at VCU) recommend joining a professional association or organization related to your major or field of interest. These organizations often have lots of trainings, networking events, and even scholarships available to their members!
In addition, funding is available to support you working an on-campus job during your first year and an internship during the summer after your first year!
The grant funding this program is for one year only and is currently not renewable, pending any future additional funding from SCHEV.
Only 25 students will be selected to participate in the Career Bridge Program, though all Pell Grant-eligible first-year students are encouraged to apply. Applications will be reviewed based on eligibility, interest, and availability. Selected students will be notified after the application deadline.
Yes. The Career Bridge Program is designed to complement existing support programs, and your participation in one does not disqualify you from the other.