The ECMC Foundation has awarded UE a $266,000 grant to enhance its Summer Bridge program. Summer Bridge allows students to take courses and an introductory to college life course prior to fall matriculation, with an option to live in the residence halls. The ECMC grant will allow the Academic Resources Center to add another course to Summer Bridge, so that Bridge students will have an experience that more closely resembles fall term. It will also allow for the hiring of advisors and additional peer educators. Students will be chosen to participate on the basis of a lottery. Those admitted to the program will receive scholarships to facilitate their involvement in the program and will receive small scholarships during the year if they keep their grades up. Andi Carter of the Academic Resources Center will coordinate the new Summer Bridge program, which has been renamed Highlander Early Start Academy.