Beacon Scholars Bridge Program
The Beacon Scholars Program serves as a bridge between high school and the start of your college career. First-year students have the opportunity to jump-start their education and develop the academic skills that make the transition to college as smooth as possible. Just as importantly, the program helps you build the connections and confidence for the non-academic side of college life.
Beacon Scholars take one course and earn two credits over the summer. The program is designed to ease students into college-level work with the support of a Batten faculty member every step of the way. Students who successfully complete the program start the fall semester with two credit hours already on the books.
If you're invited to participate, the cost is covered by your enrollment deposit. Students who haven't been invited but think the program would be a good fit are encouraged to reach out to their enrollment counselor at 757.455.3208 or enrollment@batten.edu.
Frequently Asked Questions
Invitations are based on a combination of academic history, first-generation status, and social and emotional readiness. The goal is to identify students who would benefit most from the extra support and preparation the program provides.
HUM 261 — Cultural Impacts: An interdisciplinary examination of works of art, music, film, theater, or literature that have profoundly shaped and impacted cultures past or present. The course is taught by full-time Batten faculty members.
Past sections have included topics such as music and film, business leadership and ethics, and introduction to life sciences — with hands-on activities ranging from field sampling at First Landing State Park to laboratory microscopy.
Students live on campus in student housing and eat their meals at the Boyd Dining Center in the Batten Student Center.
Students attend class in the morning, participate in academic workshops, and learn about campus resources and community life. Afternoons and evenings include time for extracurricular activities — the weight room, pool, rock wall, and other campus recreation facilities are all available. The program also includes volunteer opportunities with local organizations such as the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and Girls on the Run Hampton Roads.
Students who successfully complete the program start the fall semester with two course credits already applied toward their graduation requirements.