Delaware State University Bridge Program

Advancing High School Students’ Language Skills Through University-Level Study

The Delaware State University (DSU) Bridge Program provides qualified high school students with an opportunity to continue advanced study in Chinese or Spanish after completing AP language coursework. Students who earn a 4 or higher on an AP Language and Culture or AP Literature examination may enroll in Bridge courses and earn university credit while still in high school.

Students may complete up to three Bridge courses*, earning as many as nine upper-level university credits that may be applied toward a future minor in the language. The program helps students maintain and strengthen their language proficiency while preparing for continued study at the university level.

A Pathway from High School to College

The Bridge Program extends Delaware’s commitment to advanced language education by providing a seamless transition from AP-level study to university coursework. Designed for students who have already demonstrated strong language proficiency, Bridge courses emphasize advanced communication, cultural understanding, critical thinking, and interpretation.

Courses are taught by qualified high school educators who meet DSU program requirements, with curricula developed through collaboration between secondary and university educators. This partnership brings the rigor of university language study into the high school setting.

Who Can Participate?

The program is open to qualified students who earn a 4 or higher on the appropriate AP language examination, including students from DLI programs, heritage speakers, and other students with advanced language proficiency. Participation is subject to the requirements of the participating school or district.

DSU Bridge Courses

Delaware State University currently offers six Bridge courses:

Chinese: CHIN 301, CHIN 305, CHIN 334

Through the Bridge Program, DSU helps Delaware high school students advance their language skills, earn college credit, and prepare for academic and professional opportunities in an increasingly multilingual and global society.
 

* SPAN250 and CHIN250 are currently offered for the Appoquinimink School District