The Bridges Program is open to full-time Monroe, Onondaga, or Westchester Community College students from underrepresented
groups who are United States citizens or permanent residents. Individuals from underrepresented
groups include:
Individuals from racial and ethnic groups that have been shown by the National Science
Foundation to be underrepresented in health-related sciences on a national basis.
The following racial groups have been shown to be underrepresented in biomedical research:
Native American/Alaskan Natives, Blacks or African Americans, Hispanics or Latinos,
Native Hawaiians or Other Pacific Islanders (see descriptions below).
Meet at least one of the following requirements:
Be a member of an underrepresented minority group (Hispanic, African American, Pacific
Islander, Native American/Alaskan Native)
Have a disability (A physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or
more major life activities)
Dr. Heather Fiumera (left) with Bridges researchers Lucia Miranda-Rodriguez (center)
and Carlos Rodriguez (right)
*To qualify for the Bridges Program, an individual only has to be from one of these
three groups.
Ethnic Background Descriptions:
African American. A person having origins in any of the black racial groups of Africa. Terms such as
"Haitian" or "Negro" can be used in addition to "Black or African American."
Hispanic. A person of Cuban, Mexican, Puerto Rican, South or Central American, or other Spanish
culture or origin, regardless of race. The term "Spanish origin" can be used in addition
to "Hispanic or Latino."
Native American/Alaskan Native. A person having origins in any of the original peoples of North and South America
(including Central America), and who maintains tribal affiliation or community attachment
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander. A person having origins in any of the original peoples of Hawaii, Guam, Samoa, or
other Pacific Islands.
White. A person having origins in any of the original peoples of Europe, the Middle East,
or North Africa.
Asian. A person having origins in any of the original peoples of the Far East, Southeast
Asia, or the Indian Subcontinent including, for example, Cambodia, China, India, Japan,
Korea, Malaysia, Pakistan, the Philippine Islands, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Nyasia Hunt (standing), Dr. Christopher Bishop, and Rabia Aslam, in the Bishop lab
in Psychology
How do I apply?
All application packages must contain the following:
Completed Bridges application form (see below)
Personal statement explaining your educational and career goals, approximately 350
words (1-2 pages double-spaced).
Transcripts from all colleges attended
Two recommendations from faculty who are qualified to evaluate your academic background.
Copy of green card, if permanent resident or if US citizen, a copy of your birth certificate
OR US passport.
