Bridge Program

WHAT WE DO

The Bridge program aims to facilitate the transition into college by providing academic and social support to all University of Mississippi students who have been diagnosed with autism. Through mentorship, tutoring, and activities, members are able to navigate higher education with ease.

The Bridge Program

The Bridge Program at the University of Mississippi wants to make your transition to college easier by placing mentors into your network that understand autism and the challenges you may encounter. You will gain a circle of supporters that you can count on when you need a hand.

We hope you leave the program with increased self-advocacy skills and expand your academic, functional, and social skills. The Bridge Program looks to provide an inclusive environment at the University of Mississippi where students with autism can feel like they are a part of a larger community.

Mission

The mission of the Bridge Program is to create an inclusive environment for students with autism, and to uplift and support them so they can develop the social and functional skills needed to transition into adulthood.

Vision

We work to empower students with disabilities, so that they can become successful, independent, self-advocating members of society.

Why Get Involved?

The Bridge Program at the University of Mississippi equips its members with invaluable supports and resources, enhancing the college experience. Members are paired with a peer mentor who understands autism and the challenges a college environment may offer to those on the spectrum. The Bridge Program strives to foster academic growth in its members while enhancing their social network. 

In an effort to create an inclusive environment for all, The Bridge Program accepts any student diagnosed with autism on campus regardless of major or year. Through the pairing process, members are matched with peer mentors who have similar interests. The mentoring experience allows members to learn new skills that are crucial for the transition into higher education settings and beyond. 

Joining Our Organization

The Bridge Program at the University of Mississippi welcomes new members and peer mentors. By becoming apart of our community, members and mentors have the opportunity to form meaningful relationships.

Are you interested in becoming a member of the Bridge Program at the University of Mississippi? If so, please complete the Membership Intake Questionnaire and supplemental forms below. This allows us to better understand your needs when pairing you with a peer mentor.

Completed forms can be uploaded using the link below. Upon submission, the Bridge Program will reach out for an intake interview. 

Upload Completed Forms

Are you interested in becoming a Peer Mentor of the Bridge Program at the University of Mississippi? If so, please complete the Mentor Intake Questionnaire and supplemental forms below. This allows us to adequately match you with a member. As a peer mentor, you will be required to undergo training. This training allows you to better serve the needs of our members.

Completed forms can be uploaded using the link below. Upon submission, the Bridge Program will reach out for an intake interview.

Upload Completed Forms

Meet Our Team

Our faculty & staff are here to assist you. Let us help you with your transition into Higher Education!
Whitney Drewrey

Whitney Drewrey

  • Clinical Instructor of Special Education
Denise Soares

Denise Soares

  • Assistant Dean, Director of Graduate Studies, Professor of Special Education, and Interim Director of the National Center for School-University Partnerships
Mary Bramlett

Mary Bramlett

  • Academic Counselor - NCSUP/Bridge Program Manager
Addison Phelps

Addison Phelps

  • Graduate Assistant
  • Student Disability Services

    Student Disability Services is responsible for determining support for a student’s disability-related need for accommodations and for facilitating, through an interactive process with students and faculty, the removal of unintentional curricular and programmatic barriers.

    Learn more about Student Disability Services
  • University of Mississippi- Writing Center

    The Writing Center at the University of Mississippi works to help UM students cultivate individualized strategies for becoming independent, effective, and confident writers. The Writing Center offers free writing consultation services for UM students

    Learn more about the Writing Center
  • University of Mississippi- Counseling Center

    The Counseling Center offers services to all currently enrolled students, including students at satellite campuses. The center focuses on student mental-health and provides services surrounding emotional well-being.

    Learn more about the Counseling Center
  • Equal Opportunity & Regulatory Compliance

    The University of Mississippi’s Office of Equal Opportunity & Regulatory Compliance (EORC) is responsible for compliance with federal laws and regulations pertaining to the fair treatment of faculty, staff, and students, which includes the application of Title IX and Title VII, and upholds equal employment opportunity to ensure equal access to the University.

    Learn more about EORC