The Engineering and Science Success Academy (ESSA) summer bridge program is a challenging and multifaceted learning environment designed to prepare students for educational and professional careers in engineering. Through participation in ESSA, incoming students are provided with resources, guidance, and a built-in network with the goal of fostering belonging, growth, and long-term success in the College of Engineering.
ESSA is a four-week residential, academic intensive program designed to acclimate incoming first-year engineering students to a challenging post-secondary environment. ESSA participants attend daily preparatory, non-credit bearing Math and Computer Science courses. Toward the end of the program, participants have an opportunity to retake their MSU math placement exam, with the intent of earning a higher score and placing into a higher math course. This allows students to decrease their time to admission to the College of Engineering, and ultimately graduation.
ESSA provides a myriad of professional development and supplemental academic enrichment activities that foster personal, academic and professional growth of future Spartan Engineers. Previous programming included presentations by corporate partners, community service projects, tours of potential future employers, and community building activities.
ESSA student participants reside on campus in MSU Residential Halls for the entirety of the program. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are provided daily, as well as access to all the Residence Hall amenities including laundry facilities. Program Mentors comprised of upper-class students and past ESSA alumni are always on-site to provide guidance and support to student participants.
This program is FREE for all accepted participants. The housing, meals, course materials, activities, outings, etc. are all paid for, thanks to the funding provided by the Provost’s Office at Michigan State University as well as corporate sponsors.
Please contact Jonny Fabro, Program Assistant, to begin the application process. All ESSA participants must complete the entire application process to be considered for acceptance into the program.
Information for the 2026 cohort will be provided as part of the application process.
Email: fabrojon@msu.edu
Phone: (517) 355-8310
All students are welcome to participate in the College of Engineering’s events, programs, and services.
