NIH Bridges to Doctorate Program

Previously funded by NIH Bridges Program, the Bridges to Doctorate Program between Fresno State and UC Davis aimed to enhance the participation of students from social, educational, or economically disadvantaged groups in Ph.D. programs in the biomedical and behavioral natural sciences.  

To achieve this, the Bridges Program provided intensive research, coursework, and mentoring experience.

The long-term goals were to increase the competitiveness, skills, and interests of students and faculty in areas of biomedical and behavioral research, and to sustain a thriving collaboration between the major feeder institutions for Ph.D. programs (Fresno State) and the leading PhD-granting institution (UC Davis) in the San Joaquin Valley. 

Given the close geographic proximity of Fresno State and UC Davis, it was a natural step for these institutions to strengthen a collaborative academic environment and matriculation culture between the two institutions.

• Paid tuition and fees
• Monthly student stipends for two years
• Paid summer internship at UC Davis
• Individualized faculty mentoring and coaching
• Participation in professional conferences, meetings, and workshops
• Links to research and professional opportunities
• Enriched academic services and support by dedicated Faculty 
• Step-by-step mentoring for a successful transition

• US Citizenship or Permanent Residency
• Belong to a social, educational, or economically disadvantaged group as defined by the NIH
• Minimum GPA of 3.0 OR faculty recommendation
• Bachelor’s degree in basic sciences or behavioral sciences
• Resume
• Letter of Recommendation