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 totaling 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
Program Requirements and Details
To maintain eligibility for funding as part of the Career Bridge Program, you’ll need to:
- Be a full-time student and maintain satisfactory academic progress during your first year.
- Attend required meetings with your academic advisor, career advisor, academic coach, financial success coach, and the Career Bridge program coordinator each semester during your 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 your first year. Career Bridge events include networking events, employer site visits, Discovery Camp for undeclared students, the Majors Fair, and Career Fairs.
- Register for and complete the Career Bridge section of a one-credit student success course (UNIV 191) during your first semester. Students involved with another program that requires a section of UNIV 191 do not need to register for the Career Bridge section.
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 20 - Application Deadline
- July 21-24 - Application Review
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How to Apply
Applications are now open!
You can complete your application on the Rams Scholarship Hub, including three short answer essay questions. Applications are due July 20.
Questions about the Career Bridge Program? 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
In addition, funding is available to support you working an on-campus job during your first year and an internship after your first year!
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.
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 further additional funding from SCHEV.
It could. Financial aid eligibility is determined based on the difference between the contributions a student and their families are expected to make and VCU’s estimated yearly cost of attendance. Scholarships and other financial assistance may impact financial aid awards since the combination of all financial aid and scholarships cannot exceed a student’s need or cost of attendance. If this is the case, the Career Bridge tuition assistance will be reduced so as to not put other financial aid in jeopardy. To learn more about how financial aid eligibility is determined, please check out the Student Financial Services website.
Yes. The Career Bridge Program is for Pell-eligible students and Pell Grant-eligibility is determined by completing the FAFSA.
Yes. Students must maintain full-time enrollment (at least 12 credits each semester) to maintain access to Career Bridge funding.