Are
you transferring to a CSU or UC this fall, and pursuing a degree in Physics,
CS, or Math? If so, please consider applying for the Cal-Bridge
program, which provides financial support and support in research
opportunities.
The application form for the Cal-Bridge program is open, so it is time to consider applying for the 2025-26 academic year. The program is available to any physics, CSE, or math major interested
in pursuing a PhD in physics, astronomy, or a related field OR computer
science/engineering or a related field OR math/math
education/statistics or a related field. More details about program
benefits and eligibility are listed below.
The deadline for applications is April 9, 2025. Since letters of recommendation are also due on April 9, we highly recommend you contact faculty at your campus and others that you would like a letter from ASAP! Once
you start an application, you can save your work, so there is no reason
not to start now! In addition, a link can be sent to your letter
writers immediately, without waiting for the application to be completed
and submitted. Make sure you follow the directions in the application
to send these notifications to your letter writers as soon as possible.
For more information and the link to the application instructions, visit our website at www.calbridge.org.
The Cal-Bridge program is
designed for students interested in pursuing a PhD in their major or a
related field. Students who will graduate with their bachelors degree in
academic year 2025-26 (i.e., between Fall 2025 - Spring 2026 or current
sophomores/juniors) are eligible to apply.
The program combines
significant scholarship money with intensive mentoring (by both a CSU
and a UC faculty member), professional development, and research
opportunities to prepare you to apply and be accepted to a PhD program.
Benefits of the program include:
- Up to
$15,000/year of scholarship support for your final two years of your
undergraduate bachelor's degree, based on demonstrated need
- A fellowship if accepted and you choose to attend a PhD program at a participating UC campus*
- Mentoring from CSU and UC faculty members
- Professional
development opportunities geared towards success in completing your
undergraduate degree and in entering graduate school
- Opportunities to participate in research with CSU and UC faculty members
- Participating
in STEM enrichment activities in a nurturing, friendly environment with
other like-minded scholars from around the CSU system
To be eligible for the program, a Cal-Bridge applicant must:
- Be a
citizen or permanent resident of the United States, or DACA/AB 540
student to receive financial support (others may apply and if selected,
can participate in all elements of the program, but may not be eligible for financial support)
- Be on
track to graduate from a CSU campus in academic year 2026-27, including
being currently enrolled in 2nd or 3rd year major classes
- Be majoring in physics, computer science/engineering, or math/math education/statistics
- Demonstrate academic ability or potential
- Be
motivated to attend graduate school at a participating UC or another
institution (however, please note that only Cal-Bridge scholars who
matriculate to a PhD program at a participating UC will receive a
fellowship for graduate study)
If you have any questions about Cal-Bridge, contact our program team at ugprogram@calbridge.org.
*Please note that admission to
Cal-Bridge does not guarantee admission to a UC graduate program;
Cal-Bridge scholars must successfully apply and matriculate to a
participating UC PhD program in order to receive the fellowship for
graduate study.
