Muscat Scholars Program (MSP) Summer Bridge for First Generation Students - 2025

Program Overview and Purpose

The Muscat Scholars Program (MSP) Summer Bridge is a two-week immersion experience at the University of San Francisco (USF). It is geared towards providing first-generation undergraduate students with academic preparation, belonging, and mentorship as they begin their studies at USF. Starting Monday, July 28, 2025, and ending Thursday, August 7, 2025, MSP Scholars will participate in two remote courses geared toward their academic development.  

The application deadline for the Fall 2025 cohort is May 1, 2025. 

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For more information, please contact the Program Director for First Generation Initiatives, Ester Marquez Perez at emarquezperez@usfca.edu or (415) 422-2986.

Summer Bridge Courses

This is an academic program. MSP Scholars will complete two 1-credit courses as part of the Summer Bridge. All MSP Scholars will take the following courses:

  • Intro to College Writing and;
  • One-MSP elective: (Class topics may vary) , Conflict Resolution through Communication, Financial Literacy or Families in Business and the Business of Families. 

Each of these courses is taught by University faculty/lecturers. If courses are completed successfully, students will receive one (1) credit per class completed toward graduation and grades contributing to their GPA. MSP Scholars who may need accommodations should register with the Office of Student Disability Services (SDS), and review the Accommodations and Services page.

 

Commitment

The Program Director for First Generation Initiatives and Peer Mentors developed a program designed to facilitate the success of the student participants. Due to overlapping programming and time commitments, MSP Summer Bridge participants may not participate in the following Learning-Living Communities (LLCs)

  • Marshall-Riley
  • CASA Madrids
  • Martín-Baró
  • St. Ignatius Institute 

In return, they expect student participants to make the following commitments:

  • Be free of other obligations for the duration of the program (e.g., jobs, rehearsals, practices, non-MSP classes, and activities). The program is intensive and does not allow for outside activities. 
  • Reside in the Burl A. Toler Residence Hall for the duration of the first-year at USF.
  • Register for RHET 103 - Public Speaking (4 credits) in Fall 2025 designated for MSP Summer Bridge 2025 participants and register for a First-Generation Success Course (1 credit) in Spring 2026. All credits will counts towards degree completion. 
  • Attend and actively participate in classes, workshops, and other activities sponsored by the Muscat Scholars Program.
  • Complete the Mentor Collective profile to be matched with a peer mentor no later than May 30, 2025. 

Participants become official University of San Francisco students once they begin the program. All policies, procedures, and disciplinary policies are expected to be adhered to. See the Fogcutter Student Handbook at https://myusf.usfca.edu/fogcutter for more details.

If Scholars fail to commit to any of these points, we reserve the right to remove participants from the program and/or have participant conduct reviewed by administrative staff.

Peer Mentors

Muscat Scholars are assigned a Peer Mentor who is a sophomore, junior, or senior. The Peer Mentor is a resource scholars can rely on for assistance throughout the program and during the school year. Each mentor has undergone training and has prior experience with the Muscat Scholars Program. Scholars are also placed into smaller groups that are led by a Peer Mentor. These groups meet in the evenings, discuss activities, and provide support for Scholars. Peer Mentors live on campus for the duration of the Summer Bridge program.