The Bridge program was developed by International Programs in collaboration with the University Counseling Services (UCS), Center for Diversity and Enrichment (CDE), the Center for Student Involvement and Leadership, the Pomerantz Career Center, Residence Life, UIHC Health Care Information Systems, and the University College.

This program accepts 20-25 UI students, including underrepresented domestic students from diverse backgrounds and international students, who demonstrate exceptional leadership skills. The program measures the development of students’ intercultural competency with a tool that can translate those results into valuable training for future careers. In addition to receiving intercultural and leadership training, students help plan the annual Domestic and Global Diversity Forum for campus in the spring. Participants receive a Bridge program certificate and are rewarded with a special recognition celebration at the completion of the program.

Past Participants have said:

• "I feel confident working in cross-cultural settings after participating in the Bridge program."
• "The training helped me understand ways to talk to people about diversity/difference and meet them at an appropriate starting point."
• "I learned to begin to accept myself and to not be ashamed of my cultural background."