Academic Bridge Program Students Need Your Help

The Academic Bridge Program (ABP) helps students make the academic and social adjustment to college life.

Established in 2000, ABP serves approximately 160 students each year. Most come from urban neighborhoods in the Dallas area and are the first in their families to attend college. 

Students in the ABP receive academic tutoring from the summer after they graduate high school until they graduate from UT Dallas. The program also provides students with financial assistance for tuition, housing and books.

This program enables students to not only succeed, but thrive in the University environment. ABP students participate in cultural awareness activities, community service projects and on-campus student clubs. Many ABP students have served as campus leaders, established various organizations and volunteered at their high schools to recruit prospective ABP students. Some students have also earned scholarships and internships from major corporations such as AT&T, CISCO and Ericsson, who are partners with UT Dallas. The program boasts a graduation rate of approximately 70 percent — well above state and national averages — as well as a track record of success:

• Approximately 90 percent of ABP students return as sophomores, 80 percent of which have a GPA of at least 2.5.
• Approximately 45 percent major in engineering, science or business management.
• Approximately 70 percent graduate with a bachelor’s degree, which is significantly higher than university, state and national averages and competitive with the rates of the best universities in Texas.
• Approximately 30 percent of ABP alumni are pursuing graduate degrees. More than 20 percent have received their graduate degrees.

Unfortunately, recent statewide cutbacks in education have impacted the program’s operations and reach. Less resources means less students they can support.

Please consider making a gift to support current and prospective students’ dreams of becoming college graduates and productive, well-educated members of society.

Any amount you give today will be greatly appreciated.