TOP Summer Bridge 2026
Build Confidence, Connections, and Community Before Fall Classes Begin
What is Summer Bridge?
TOP Summer Bridge is a free, three-day transition-to-college experience designed to help new TOP students begin their Oregon Tech journey with confidence, support, and a strong sense of belonging. Before classes begin, you'll learn about campus resources, build college success skills, connect with faculty and staff, and meet other TOP students and peer mentors.
Summer Bridge includes many of the important pieces of a traditional college orientation, such as academic readiness, campus resources, and preparing for your first term, while taking it a step further through hands-on experiences, outdoor adventures, team-building activities, leadership development, and opportunities to build meaningful relationships. You'll leave with a stronger support network, a better understanding of campus resources, and tools to help you succeed throughout your college journey.
Summer Bridge at a Glance
- Dates: September 24–26, 2026
- Location: Oregon Tech & Klamath Outdoor Science School
- Experience: 3-day, 2-night overnight program
- Cost: Free for TOP students
- Meals: Included
- Overnight Accommodations: Provided in comfortable yurts
- Who: Incoming first-year, transfer, and non-traditional TOP students
Why Participate?
Students who attend Summer Bridge will:
- Build meaningful connections with fellow TOP students, peer mentors, and staff
- Learn strategies for managing time, stress, and the transition to college
- Meet faculty and learn how to build strong relationships with instructors
- Discover the many resources available through TOP and Oregon Tech
- Develop confidence and a personalized plan for success
- Enjoy outdoor adventures, team-building activities, and opportunities to create lasting friendships
What Can You Expect?
Summer Bridge combines personal growth, community building, and fun in a unique outdoor setting at the beautiful Klamath Outdoor Science School.
Students will stay overnight in comfortable yurts, enjoy shared family-style meals, explore the local ecology of our region, and participate in activities designed to build confidence, connection, and community. All activities are designed for students of all experience levels. No outdoor experience is necessary.
Tentative Program Schedule
Thursday, September 24, 2026
- Welcome Breakfast
- Academic Sessions
- Lunch
- Campus Resources
- Depart for Klamath Outdoor Science School
- Camp Arrival and Check-In
- Welcome Dinner
- Community Building Activities
- TOP Welcome
- Campfire Social
Friday, September 25, 2026
- Getting Connected with TOP
- Faculty-Led Learning Session
- Time & Stress Management Workshop
- Peer Mentor Activities
- Team Building Challenges
- Goal Setting & Reflection
- Campfire & S'mores
Saturday, September 26, 2026
- Breakfast
- Optional Beginner Kayaking Adventure
- Return to Campus
Who Can Participate?
Participants must be enrolled in the Tech Opportunities Program (TOP) prior to attending Summer Bridge.
Summer Bridge is open to:
- Incoming first-year TOP students
- TOP transfer students
- TOP non-traditional students
If you are unsure whether you qualify for TOP, we encourage you to complete the interest form below, and a member of our team will contact you.
Ready To Get Started?
Step 1: Complete the Interest FormTell us you’re interested by completing the Summer Bridge interest form. | Step 2: Confirm Your Eligibility for TOPA TOP staff member will contact you about eligibility and the application process.
| Step 3: Register for Summer BridgeOnce accepted into TOP, you'll receive registration, packing, and program details. |