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Sentara Health Gives the Gift of Education
Support funds summer bridge program for incoming VWU students
University News | August 8, 2024
A recent gift from Sentara Health will help pave the way to success for more than 50 Virginia Wesleyan University students this summer. The sponsorship funds will directly support the WesBridge Sentara Health Scholars program, allowing incoming first-year students to begin their college careers with confidence and experience by arriving early on campus to complete coursework and participate in service-learning activities through the University. 
Sentara Health was drawn to underwrite the program after learning of the success of its pilot term in summer 2021. Geared toward first-generation college students (but open to all incoming students), the program is designed to serve as a bridge between high school and the start of students’ college careers.
“We are thrilled to be welcoming more than 50 students this week for WesBridge 2024,” says Crit Muniz, VWU Executive Director of Academic Support. “With our continued support from our partner, Sentara Health, this group of incoming first year students will be better equipped for immediate academic success in the upcoming school year. WesBridge is a complete campus team effort and thanks to our community it gets better and better every year. 
Students participating in the WesBridge Sentara Health Scholars program will arrive on campus August 9 and engage in the program for two weeks before the start of the fall semester. Students will take their first college course, earning two credits through a mix of discussion, lecture, group activities, workshop time, and assignments.
Scholars will live on campus in residence halls and participate in various student activities. VWU staff will offer orientation sessions to educate students on financial assistance, academic resources, health services, dining options, employment opportunities, and other aspects of the Virginia Wesleyan experience. Students will also participate in service-learning projects in the Hampton Roads community through the University’s Wesleyan Engaged office.
“The WesBridge program demonstrates our commitment to providing our students with an enriching Virginia Wesleyan experience that sets them up for success now and in the future, said VWU President Scott D. Miller. “We deeply appreciate Sentara Health for making this program possible and for supporting and nurturing future leaders.
For more information about the WesBridge Sentara Health Scholars program, please contact the enrollment counselor, email enrollment@vwu.edu, or call 757.455.3208.