FRESHStart is a fully funded six-week summer STEM bridge program hosted at Texas Southern University. The program is sponsored by the Department of Navy HBCU/MI Programs and is designed to prepare incoming freshmen for success in college-level STEM coursework. The FreshStart program runs June 12, 2026 - July 26, 2026 and accepted students are required to reside on campus the duration of the program.

Program benefits include:

• Summer housing at Texas Southern University

• Meals for the program duration

• $3000 student stipend

• $500 travel/relocation stipend (pending qualification)

To be eligible, you must:

• Be admitted to Texas Southern University and plan to attend in Fall 2026

• Declare a major in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Engineering, Mathematics, or Computer Science

• Have a minimum 2.7 GPA from high school

What to prepare before you begin:

• Your high school transcript (PDF or image)

• Your TSU admission letter or acceptance confirmation (PDF or image)

• Personal statement in 500 words or fewer, please describe: (1) your interest in STEM and why you chose your intended major, (2) what you hope to gain from the FRESHStart program, and (3) your goals for your college career and beyond.

• Contact information for one recommender (teacher, counselor, or mentor)

• Parent or guardian contact information