Big Blue Bridge to Global Learning Build momentum for year two and beyond.
Big Blue Bridge to Global Learning is a summer experience designed to help eligible first-generation students return to UK feeling confident, connected and ready for a strong second year.
Through virtual workshops, the TEK 100 AI Literacy course, success coaching and pre-semester activities, students will build academic skills, strengthen connections and prepare for future global learning opportunities.
Space is limited to only 50 participants.
Questions?
Email studentexcellence@uky.edu
Program Details
Program Dates: June 22 - Aug. 23, 2026
- June 22 to Aug. 3 - TEK 100: AI Literacy
- Aug. 10 to 14 - Virtual Workshops, one-hour long
- Aug. 19 to 23 - Pre-Semester On-Campus Activities
Format: Online course, online skill-building and in-person integration week
To Apply:
- Invited students will have received information at their UKY email, including an application link
- Application deadline = June 19, 2026
Students will participate in:
- Credit-Bearing Academic Coursework: Students enroll in TEK 100, a 1-credit AI Literacy course over six weeks, meeting virtually twice a week. The course emphasizes critical, creative, and ethical AI literacy through hands-on labs and a culminating ethical AI project that addresses community problems.
- Learning Labs & Workshops: Weekly, non-credit workshops complement the coursework, including brain training labs focusing on evidence-based learning strategies such as retrieval practice and spaced repetition.
- Thematic Workshops: The program covers wellness and balance, financial literacy, career coaching, and success coaching across the six weeks to build holistic readiness. These involve wellness coaching, budgeting, career planning through Focus2 and Handshake, and academic success planning with Success Coaches. Workshops will be one-hour long.
Why Participate?
Participants who complete the program have at least 24 UK credit hours and maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA, are eligible for several incentives:
- Meeting and maintaining program requirements guarantees placement in the Explore First: Careers, Cultures and Connections program (Summer 2027)
- Participants are responsible for the Explore First program fee ($500), passport fee ($165 if you do not have a passport), travel authorization fee (approx. $20) and personal expenses
- Assigned Integrated Success Coach
- Career exploration and financial literacy support
- Guidance on on-campus employment opportunities
About Explore First: Careers, Cultures and Connections
Explore First: Careers, Cultures and Connections is a UK study abroad experience in London, England and Dublin, Ireland, designed to help first-generation students explore careers, cultures and global opportunities.
About TEK 100 AI Literacy
TEK 100 is a one-credit course where students explore AI in a hands-on, practical way. They build critical, creative, and ethical AI literacy by using no-code tools, learning how to work with AI thoughtfully, and creating a proposal for an ethical AI solution to a real community problem.
What is Big Blue Bridge to Global Learning?
Big Blue Bridge to Global Learning is a seven-week summer experience designed to help first-generation students start their second year at UK feeling confident, connected, and ready to thrive through early academic planning, success coaching, and credit-bearing coursework.
Why should students be excited about it?
Because it is more than a summer program—it gives students real benefits, including academic credit, dedicated success coaching, and guaranteed placement in the Explore First program in Summer 2027 upon successful completion. Students build skills, find their people, and head into year two with momentum and support.
Who is the program for?
This program is for eligible first-generation students who are getting ready to start their second year at UK, are in good academic standing, have at least a 2.5 GPA, and are Kentucky residents.
What does the program look like?
The program blends virtual coursework, interactive workshops, success coaching, and academic advising that helps students get connected, prepared, and comfortable on campus. Students should plan to stay engaged each week through required virtual sessions, workshops, and coaching check-ins.
How does this help with the second year?
It gives students a real head start. They begin year two with stronger habits, a bigger support network, and a clearer plan for success.
Will students have support?
Absolutely. Students will have support from success coaches, academic advisors, staff, and peer leaders who are there to help them stay on track, feel connected, and succeed.
Does it cost anything?
UK covers the cost of TEK 100.
The Explore First program includes a scholarship for the program fee. These are the items that the students are responsible for –
- $500 Non-Refundable Program Deposit
- $165 Passport Fee (if you do not already have one)
- $20 (approximately) for a travel authorization to enter London or Dublin
- Personal expenses
What do students gain from participating?
Students gain more than just a summer experience. They build confidence, strengthen study and time-management skills, earn academic credit, connect with coaches and peers, and create a clearer plan for success in year two. They also gain a stronger sense of belonging at UK, practical tools they can use right away, and access to opportunities that can shape their academic and personal growth.