Future Scholars Institute Application

Bridgewater College’s Future Scholars Institute is a two-week, humanities-based seminar designed to offer rising high school juniors and seniors the chance to explore profound questions about freedom, democracy, and government. The centerpiece of the institute is a for credit college seminar entitled “Individual Freedom and the Public Good.” Students will delve into civic concepts from the ancient world and connect them to contemporary issues. This program offers students the chance to experience college life firsthand by living and studying on campus. Throughout the seminar, participants will carefully and critically read complex materials, engage in discussions and debates, and present their ideas through writing and classroom discussions.

The program is sponsored by a grant from the Teagle Foundation and is offered free of charge, as part of their Knowledge for Freedom Program (including program and course tuition costs, room and board, field trips, supplies and materials) to participating students. Upon successful completion, each student will receive two college credits and letter of recommendation from a Bridgewater College faculty members. Admissions preference will be given to students who would benefit from additional support in understanding the American college experience, such as first-generation and low-income students.

Program Dates: July 12- 25, 2026

To be considered for program admission, please complete the application below.

Student Information

Legal First Name*

Legal Last Name*

Preferred First Name*

Email Address*

Birthdate*

Cell Phone*

Mailing Address*

Country

Street

City

Region

Postal Code

High School Information

What year are you in high school?*

High School Name*

CEEB (hidden)

Level of Study (hidden)

GPA*

High School Transcript

Upload a PDF of your unofficial transcript below:
Or have your school counselor email it to admissions@bridgewater.edu or send it through any electronic transcript service.

School Counselor/Teacher Reference

Provide the name of a teacher, or guidance counselor at your school who knows you well, who we might follow up with if we have questions?*

Email address for the school official you listed above.*

Parent/Legal Guardian Information

Relationship*

First Name*

Last Name*

Email

Highest Degree

Job Title

Additional Questions

How did you learn about this program?*

Other explanation

Are you a first-generation college student? (A first-generation college student is a student whose parent(s) did not complete a four-year college or university degree.)*

Yes

No

If accepted, are you available to participate in the full program from July 12-25, 2026? (We do not accept commuters into the program and since this is a residential experience, participates should be available to live on campus for the full duration.)*

Yes

No

Please list your employment and volunteer experiences, clubs, hobbies, and sports teams, along with dates of participation, as applicable, and any leadership roles:*

In one paragraph, please explain your interest in this program. Is learning about freedom, democracy and government important to being an educated citizen?*

Round

Application Source

App Admit Type

Person Admit Type

App Entry Term

Submitted Flag

Course Load

Non-Degree Program

Future Scholars Institute Application

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