Summer Bridge

June 17th - 30th, 2024.

Join the fun and get PAID to explore your future in botany and plant ecology! 

The Department of Botany and Plant Ecology is hosting a PAID two-week summer bridge program. By participating you will build academic skills, develop friendships, experience campus life, and travel to Zion National Park to conduct botanical research. You will become acquainted with the Botany and Plant Ecology Department and its resources that facilitate success prior to your first or returning fall term at Weber State and beyond.

Who can apply?

Rising high school seniors, recent high school graduates, students that have earned a 2-year college degree, and all other equivalency earners returning to school and exploring the field of botany for the first time are eligible to apply. Participants from the following backgrounds are encouraged to apply. However, enrollment is not exclusive to the following:

  • First Generation College-Going
  • BIPOC
  • Undocumented
  • LGBTQAI+  
  • Low-income

Where will we be?

Participants will have the opportunity to live in Weber State campus housing for the duration of the program. Current Weber State botany students will serve as residential peer counselors, guides, and mentors. Students and faculty advisors will also travel to Zion National Park and work with national park service scientists.  

What should I expect and is expected of me?

  • Meet key University faculty, staff, and administrators who will become part of the student's support system at Weber State. 
  • Participate in workshops led by botany and plant ecology faculty, staff, and current majors on topics ranging from invasive plant species management, plant biotechnology, medicinal plants, plant systematics, sustainable urban farming, and career opportunities in botany as well as engage in thrilling hypothesis-driven science.
  • Tour campus facilities and Ogden, UT.
  • Travel to Zion National Park and participate in an authentic research experience in collaboration with the national park service scientists. 
  • Enroll in three credits within the Botany and Plant Ecology Department at Weber State in the following fall semester.
  • Commit to the entire summer bridge program.

What do you mean, "paid"?

We recognize that many students must hold part or full time employment while also working towards a degree. The BOTANY Scientist program is a two-week residential, hands-on program that requires significant time commitment. As such, all room and board expenses during the two-weeks will be covered AND we will supplement the income you may give up with a stipend of up to $1000. This is earned by completing all that is expected above (two-week summer program AND enrollment in three botany credits for fall). 

How do I apply?

Submit the form below. Applications priority deadline is March 15, 2024. However, applications are open and will remain open until all spaces are filled. If selected, you will be contacted after May 1st with more information.

Google Form Application

2023 Summer Bridge Photos

WSU student, Olivia Conkle, helps scientists at Zion National Park monitor milkweed populations for the monarch butterfly.

WSU students, Cassie Sandberg and Romina Aguado, helped scientists at Zion National Park monitor an endemic penstemon species (found only in southern UT).