The BEST Summer Bridge Program is for incoming OSU First-Year Student-Athletes and is a 4-week immersion program designed to help new student-athletes adapt to the college environment by learning to balance academics and athletics. BEST is an effective jump-start for their collegiate careers and student-athletes that participate in BEST earn 5 credits towards their degree. The program includes daytime, evening and weekend activities as well as community engagement opportunities. Full participation in all aspects of the program is required. Some of the significant components of the program are:
Five Credits Toward Graduation: Student-Athletes will participate in two in-person classes: One Baccalaureate Core (Bacc Core) Course and ALS 199. In both courses, student-athletes have support from professors, peer educators, and ASA staff. These courses allow the BEST cohort to interact with each other and build friendships and community within an academic environment.
Connected Learning Teams (CLT): BEST students will meet in connected learning teams two times a week with a peer educator focusing on study skills, time management, navigating OSU resources, and assignment completion. CLT is a good opportunity for student-athletes to incorporate these rhythms into their daily routines and utilize these resources that will be available throughout their academic career.
Assessments: Throughout the BEST program, student-athletes will complete several assessments with the ASA and Sports Medical Staff to design a program of support appropriate for each student.
Campus Familiarity: BEST students will become familiar with OSU’s campus while residing in the International Living-Learning Center and participating in new student orientation. They will also gain an in-depth understanding of OSU online systems such as Canvas, MyDegrees, Grades First, Google Drive, etc. BEST students will be prepared for both e-campus and on-campus classes at the start of fall 2024.
University Orientation: The BEST experience includes OSU’s first-year student orientation, advising, and fall class registration program known as START (http://oregonstate.edu/newstudents/start/home). START registration is included as part of enrollment in BEST and will be factored into the student-athlete schedule as this orientation must be attended in it's entirety in order for students to register for fall term classes.
Co Curricular Activities: BEST students participate in two-weekend activities aimed at building leadership, belonging, teamwork, and volunteer skills. These activities include a guided McKenzie River rafting trip and a community service project, allowing the student-athletes an opportunity to give back to the Corvallis community in a meaningful way (see photos).
Cost to Attend BEST: The OSU Athletic Department covers the cost to attend the BEST program for student on an athletic scholarships of 25% or more. For student-athletes not on athletic scholarships, the estimated cost of the 2024 BEST program is $4,359, this includes all planned expenses e.g., OSU tuition & fees, housing, meals, and the rafting trip.
Enrolling in BEST: Student-Athlete participation in the BEST program requires Head Coach recommendation to the ASA staff by April 26, 2024.
Session 1: June 23rd - July 19th
Session 2: August 4th - August 30th
For more information, please email: [email protected]