Downtown Scholars Initiative

 

Established in Fall 2021, the Downtown Scholars Initiative is a two-part program, the Pre-College Program and the Summer Bridge Program aimed at:

  • Expanding access, success, and representation at UCF for students from Title 1 high schools in downtown Orlando.
  • Partnering with Jones High School, Evans High School, and Oak Ridge High School to support student pathways.
  • Backed by over $4 million in funding to enhance educational opportunities.

Pre-College Program

The Pre-College Program supports high school seniors interested in attending UCF by providing guidance on the application process, financial aid, and campus connections through workshops and interactive engagement opportunities, ensuring a smooth transition to enrollment.

  1. Be a senior during the 2025-2026 academic year
  2. Be a student at either Jones High School, Evans High School, and Oak Ridge High School
  3. Completed online application
  4. Minimum 3.3 State GPA (Unweighted - Cumulative)

*Acceptance into the Pre-College Program does not guarantee acceptance into the University of Central Florida*

  • Must be able to commit to attending at least four (4) events hosted by DSI
    • Events can include but are not limited to
      • Pre-College Orientation
      • UCF Tour Day
      • Scholarship Writing Workshop
      • Community Service Project
      • Major & Career Exploration Workshop
      • Quarterly Coaching Sessions
  • Get assistance with your UCF application
  • Experience a guided tour of UCF
  • Learn about available financial aid options
  • Engage in campus activities
  • Participate in college-readiness workshops

These are some events that DSI is planning, but are tentative.

Fall 2025

  • Pre-College Orientation
  • UCF Tour Day
  • SAT Prep Sessions
  • SPARK Form Support Sessions
  • FASFA Support Sessions
  • UCF Men's Basketball Game
  • Coaching Sessions

Spring 2026

  • Housing 101
  • Scholarship Writing Workshop
  • Community Service Project
  • Major & Career Exploration Workshop
  • Coaching Sessions

The Summer Bridge Program

The Summer Bridge Program offers accepted UCF students a downtown residential experience, free tuition and books for their first summer term, and peer mentoring throughout their freshman year to support their transition and success.

  • Successful completion of the Pre-College Program
  • Admitted to UCF for the Summer 2026 Term
  • Plan to attend UCF as a full-time student
  • Free housing at the UCF Downtown Campus, UnionWest at Creative Village
  • Free tuition for the following courses for the Summer B term
    • HUM 1020 - Intro to Humanities
    • SPC 1608 - Fundamentals of Speech
  • Free textbooks
  • Free UCF merchandise
  • Planned activities for the Summer Bridge Cohort
    • Activities have included in the past
      • Bowling
      • Fun Spot
  • Peer Mentoring from DSI Alumni

Upon completion of the Pre-College and Summer Bridge Programs, you will receive the following

  • 4-year scholarship
    • $2,500 per academic year, up to $10,000 for 4 years
  • Peer Mentoring throughout your 1st year

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