Bloom Scholars
Empowering first-generation students for educational & social engagement.
BLOOM SCHOLARS PROGRAM
Program Overview
The Bloom Scholars Program honors the legacy of the late Prof. Alan Bloom, a much-loved faculty member, campus leader, and recipient of Valpo’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Award. Prof. Bloom’s vision of a truly welcoming Valpo took many forms, including the creation of the Summer Global Leadership Institute and the Summer Smart Summer Fun camps; and active involvement in Habitat for Humanity and the City of Valparaiso’s Advisory Human Relations Council. Among his many impactful contributions to our campus and surrounding communities Prof. Bloom, envisioned and initiated the process that led to the creation of this program.
All who are interested are encouraged to apply.
- Move-in and Welcome Program: Sunday, August 10, 2025
- Bridge Program Dates: Monday, August 11, 2024 – Tuesday, August 19, 2025
Benefits of the summer portion of the program:
- Enroll in a college course that starts early, providing academic preparation before the semester begins, and earn credit hours that count toward graduation, concluding at the end of the fall semester.
- Learn about academic and classroom expectations from college professors while strengthening academic success strategies.
- Residential students will experience living in a university residence hall before classes begin, while commuters gain firsthand experience managing their commute and learning effective time management strategies.
- Build confidence by navigating campus and actively engaging in college life.
- Connect with fellow new students through interactive team-building activities led by peer mentors.
If you would like to be considered for the Bloom Scholars Program or have additional questions, contact our program director Chloe Kiser at .
Schedule is subject to change.
- 7-8:30 AM | Breakfast
- 9-10 AM | Cohort-building Activities
- 11:30-12:30 PM | Lunch
- 3:30-4:30 PM | Holistic Student Success
- 5-6:30 PM | Dinner
- 6:30-7:30 PM | Mentor-led Activities
This course will prepare students to learn a holistic approach to developing necessary student success strategies that will allow students to reboot their academic performance and to use their strengths and experiences to grow as a person and student. Topics include making the transition to college, managing the school and life balance, stress and time management, building a support network, self-efficacy, emotional intelligence, and learning strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are a residential student, you will have the opportunity to move into a residence hall on campus early during the Bloom Scholars Program bridge.
Take a look at the Residential Life website for more information on what to bring, what is not allowed, and what will be provided in your residence hall.
Yes. Any students interested in participating in the Bloom Scholars Program must first attend FOCUS, Valpo’s new-student orientation. See more information at valpo.edu/admitted-students/focus.
The summer portion of the program is free to students, which means students will not have to pay for food, housing, tuition, or costs to go to special student activities. Students can bring a small amount of spending money if they want to purchase any additional snacks or spirit wear.
first year
Transition
Following the four-week bridge program, Bloom Scholars will earn a $500 scholarship award and are expected to transition into and become active, engaged participants in the Cornerstone program—a year-long persistence and success model for select first-generation college students.
The Cornerstone Program provides opportunities for educational and social engagement that promotes success and development in the university setting.
Scholars who meet the standards of active engagement in the Cornerstone program and maintain a 2.5 GPA may be eligible for additional scholarship opportunities.
second year
Grounding
Bloom Scholars will continue to work closely with peer and faculty mentors to build on the skills obtained during the transition year. The grounding year of the program is structured to help scholars further identify and explore areas of interest, academically and socially, in order to start constructing a professional portfolio leading into the vocational/career discernment phase of the program.
Scholars will work with a career coach from the University’s Center for Career and Professional Development and complete a series of career shadowing opportunities (for two semesters) intended to provide further insight into students’ field of interest.
Successful Bloom Scholar students who complete the required number of campus activities and maintain a 2.5 GPA may be eligible for additional scholarship opportunities.
third year
Exploration
Bloom scholars will work with the Institute for Leadership and Service (ILAS) to prepare for a specialized paid summer internship, meant to help scholars explore and realize how their talents can help address the needs of their own communities and beyond.
Leading up to the summer internship, scholars will be expected to engage in workshops, lectures and training modules centered around vocation and calling. Only Bloom Scholars who complete the required number of campus activities and maintain a 2.5 GPA will be eligible to earn a paid internship with the University CAPS Fellowship program and additional scholarship opportunities.
third year
CAPS Fellows Program
The CAPS Fellows Program helps students develop their sense of Calling And Purpose in Society by re-imagining the traditional internship as a communal and reflective experience, deepening its impact on discernment.
Fellows complete intensive summer internships that offer relevant real-world experience, accompanied by significant reflection in community with other Fellows. CAPS Fellows are placed with a broad range of regional and national organizations engaged in important forms of service and leadership, and intern with these organization for 9-11 weeks in the summer, for a total of 300 hours.
FOURTH YEAR
Leadership
Bloom scholars will work closely with the leadership program to prepare a career and leadership portfolio intended to transition participants into the workforce or continued education. Ultimately, Bloom Scholars will be mentored throughout the entire four years at Valparaiso University.
Bloom Scholars
Meet Our Staff
Our staff is invested in your success at every step in your academic journey and beyond.
