Incoming First Year Students

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Current Enrolled students in the College of Arts and Sciences

Learning, Inclusion, Networking, & Community (LINC)

Current CU students in the College of Arts & Sciences can join MASP by applying and participating in the Learning, Inclusion, Networking, and Community (LINC) bridge program - a weekend retreat designed to create an inclusive academic community of scholars and friends consisting of a diverse group of students from all different backgrounds and A&S majors.

Students who apply and are accepted to participate will receive a $250 participation award at the conclusion of the retreat and become eligible for a MASP participation scholarship.

Components of Application:

1) General Information

2) 4 Essay Questions (approximately 250 words)

3) Submission of 1 Letter of Recommendation (suggested but optional)

*Note to applying Denver Scholarship Fund scholars (DSF) and Bridge Scholars (PCOE) -- Upon acceptance and completion of LINC, your DSF/Bridge scholarship will replace the MASP participation scholarship, instead of receiving both. While MASP won't provide additional funding, you'll still be a full member of the MASP community with all participation requirements.

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION: November 30th, 2025

Please click here to apply to the LINC Program

The next LINC will take place on January 16th, 17th, and 18th, 2026.

 

Entry Programs

MASP’s entry programs provide students a unique cohort experience emphasizing academic enrichment and the opportunity to build a supportive community of peers, faculty and staff in the College of Arts & Sciences. Each program offers content and resources designed to prepare CU students for their time at CU Boulder and provide an introduction to the MASP community. 

Please explore our two programs for incoming first year students below to see which one is tailor-made for you and to see how to apply.

Program for Excellence in Academics & Community (PEAC)

  What it is: 3-week residential Summer Bridge program for students entering their first year at CU Boulder. With its successful completion, students receive a $1000 stipend and become eligible for MASP and its related participation scholarship of $2,000 per academic year for up to eight semesters. 

  Who is it for: Incoming first-year students


    When: July 11, 2026 - July 31, 2026 

 

   Priority Application Deadline: March 1, 2026 

 

  Final Application Deadline: March 15, 2026 

The Bound Programs: MASP's Divisional Community Cohorts

 

  What it is: Year-long academic and community building program for first-year students, grouped by their area of study (e.g., Natural Sciences, Social Sciences or Arts & Humanities). With its successful completion, students receive $2000 participation scholarship ($1000 in the Fall and $1000 in the Spring).  

  Who it is for: Incoming first-year students

  When: 

  • Orientation:  Friday, August 14, 2026 – Monday, August 17, 2026
  • Fall 1-credit Course: Mondays or Wednesdays 3:34-4:50


  Priority Application Deadline: March 1, 2026 

  Final Application Deadline: March 15, 2026 

How To Apply

MASP Program Resources

All MASP students have access to the following resources:  

 

Faculty Advisor MASP Seminars Community Events and Opportunities Student Center & Study Space Free Printing & School Supplies
Faculty Advisor

Each MASP student will be assigned to a faculty mentor aligned with their area of study (Natural Sciences, Humanities or Social Sciences).  Faculty mentors assist with academic planning, advising, and more.

  • Dr. Kate Semsar -Natural Sciences
  • Dr. Beatriz Salazar -Science Bound
  • Dr. Kevin Mason- Social Sciences
  • Dr. Karen Ramirez- Humanities and Arts

MASP offers a variety of 1-credit seminars for current MASP students. Covering a broad spectrum of topics spanning natural sciences, humanities, social sciences, and more, these courses serve to supplement MASP students' academic experience, and to help them succeed in their areas of study.

MASP hosts a wide range of community events every semester, including informational sessions on different departments/clubs on campus, academic and financial resources, community building activities, and dialogue events. Taking place in the community space, we host several events every week, including recurrent faculty-mentor-led events. In addition, we also provide in-office tutoring services.

MASP has a dedicated community space in Lucile Buchanan Building (LBB) on central campus. Our space is open to all MASP students and includes a computer room with free printing, a quiet study space, a larger meeting space, and access to personal cubbies, a fridge and microwave.

All MASP students can print and pick up select school supplies for free at the MASP office.

MASP Student Testimonials

MASP Student Testimonials

“I believe I have found a community in MASP, meeting new people with similar experiences as me, as well as differences that teach me new perspectives about everything.”

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"[Bound] nurtured a safe and comfortable environment for us to find ourselves as we entered college."

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"[It was] valuable learning about scientific literacy and building a strong connection with others also pursuing STEM. Once I met and connected with other students going through the same workload, I felt very connected and not as alone anymore, which I would say improved my mental health and confidence in pursuing a STEM degree."

CU LEAD Alliance

MASP is part of the CU LEAD Alliance, a unique set of academic learning communities whose students, faculty and staff are united to promote inclusive excellence. These “academic neighborhoods” build camaraderie and promote student success during the first-year and throughout students’ four years through a rich array of:

  • cohort experiences
  • participation scholarships
  • academic enrichment activities
  • community-building activities

*If you are interested in MASP but you are not entering or enrolled in the College of Arts & Sciences, please explore the CU LEAD Alliance to find the program most suited to your journey.