Summer Program 2026
The Summer Program will be held June 29-August 7, 2026, Monday-Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Northeastern University. This program is open to rising juniors and seniors at Boston Public Schools.
About the Summer Program
The Bridge to Calculus/Bridge to Science Summer Program combines rigorous math instruction with hands-on, project-based learning to prepare students for AP Calculus and in general, for future STEM coursework. Each weekday runs from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., with mornings dedicated to pre-calculus and calculus, followed by applied math and financial literacy
Students also engage in STEM enrichment activities throughout the week and have the opportunity to explore Northeastern University’s labs across various programs, experiencing firsthand what science and technology can look like in a college setting.
Fridays bring the whole group together, a chance for students from different classes to connect, build friendships, and share ideas. With guest speakers, new experiences, and activities that go beyond the usual week, Fridays offer something different. All these opportunities help students grow how they think, connect, and take on new challenges.
2026 Program Overview
Pre-calculus and Calculus
Students will build a strong foundation in advanced mathematics, exploring complex functions, limits, derivatives, and integrals. Daily problem-solving sessions will foster confidence and deepen conceptual understanding.
<strong>Finance and Beyond</strong>
Students will explore the fundamentals of financial literacy through engaging, hands-on activities. Sessions will cover budgeting, credit, investing, and banking, helping students connect math skills to real-world financial decision-making. Debate exercises and interactive discussions will encourage critical thinking, teamwork, and strategic reasoning.
Enrichment
Biology and chemistry
- Students will explore human body systems, predator-prey interactions, and disease tracking, connecting lab experiments to real-world biology and ecology.
- Interactive labs will introduce students to the properties of substances, gases, and chemical reactions, offering practical experience in foundational chemistry concepts.
Physics
- Hands-on experiments and LEGO-based projects will help students explore energy, electricity, magnetism, motion, and more, with fun demonstrations bringing physics to life.
Statistics
- Students will apply statistical tools like R or Python to analyze real-world data. Hands-on research projects will help them understand patterns, trends, and practical applications within their communities.
Artificial Intelligence
- Students will explore AI fundamentals, machine learning, and data algorithms, stepping into the future of technology. Discussions will also examine the ethics and societal impact of AI.
Guest Speakers and Collaborations
Students will benefit from sessions led by leading academics and industry professionals, covering topics such as statistics and advanced learning strategies, connecting classroom learning to real-world applications.
Math Lecture Series
Students will explore the fundamentals of linear algebra, graph theory, game theory, and the relationship between conjectures and proofs. Through hands-on exploration of patterns and problem-solving, students will connect abstract mathematical principles to engaging, real-world applications.
Friday Sessions
Weekly Friday sessions offer immersive, hands-on experiences blending math, science, and technology. Collaborative projects will encourage innovation and teamwork, while mentor-led presentations on real research will give students an inside look at how scientific disciplines operate in practice. A career panel will also provide diverse professional perspectives and guidance for student career exploration.
Closing Ceremony
The summer will wrap up with a celebration of student achievements, bringing together BPS administrators, community members, and BtC/BtS alumni to share in the moment. Students will showcase their projects, recognize their mentors, and reflect on the growth and learning they experienced throughout the program
What students are saying
Bridge to Calculus gave me something to do every day while preparing for my AP courses. It was genuinely one of the best decisions I made this summer. The program’s adaptability stood out most; the mentors always found ways to push me further and help me grow.
-Rising Senior, Boston Public School
Bridge to Calculus is so much more than a math program. You learn physics, robotics, graph theory, game theory, and build friendships along the way. It’s fun, intense, and challenging in the best way, and it’s made me more confident and willing to speak up.
-Rising Senior, John D. O’Bryant High School
Don’t let the name fool you. Bridge to Calculus is so much more than calculus, from physics and biology to chemistry and computer science. The program challenged me, inspired me, and taught me that making mistakes is how you grow.
-Rising Junior, Boston Public School