Bridge To Batten

Bridge to Batten is a program supporting promising UVA students with high economic need in their aspiration to become effective, engaged leaders poised to create meaningful change in their communities and the world at large. Consistent with the University’s commitment to the development of the full potential of talented students from all walks of life, Bridge to Batten aims to strengthen the socioeconomic diversity and mobility of Batten’s student body and demonstrate our commitment to fostering an inclusive, welcoming, and supportive community better reflecting the world we wish to serve.

The program has three components: a 1-credit CR/NC Spring 2024 seminar designed to encourage academic, personal, and professional exploration of the public policy world; dedicated advising and support from faculty and professional staff at the Batten School to help navigate university resources; and peer mentorship to deepen relationships through community-driven and social opportunities to connect with members of the Batten student community.

We welcome applications from first year students from economically underrepresented backgrounds with an interest in Batten’s Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy & Leadership or Accelerated Master of Public Policy. Selected participants will have exclusive access to workshops and programming throughout the Spring 2024 semester and will receive preferential placement in the Fall 2024 offering of LPPP 2200: Introduction to Public Policy, a prerequisite for the BA program. Bridge to Batten students will continue to receive individualized, tailored advising into their second year in the lead-up to application to one of Batten’s programs.

Applications are open until January 14, 2024! The application can be found here.

If you have questions or want to learn more, contact Anne Carter Mulligan, Director of Undergraduate Admissions, by email or book an appointment today!