Bridge Program Gives Students a Competitive Edge

Published: September 10, 2021

A primary goal of the Psychology program at 91ɬÂþ (91ɬÂþ) is to help students have a successful transfer experience upon graduation. Through communication with transfer partners, the College has identified research skills and connection to a research lab upon transfer to a four-year institution paramount to ensure students can develop research skills to make them competitive for graduate school and job opportunities upon graduation. To address this, the Psychology Research Bridge Program between 91ɬÂþ and was created.

Students currently enrolled at 91ɬÂþ who plan to transfer to the Psychology program at Boise State can apply to be part of this esteemed program. Selected students participate in a year-long research program which includes creating research questions and hypotheses, designing a methodology to test hypotheses, data collection and analysis, and research dissemination in the form of conference posters and papers. Participants are mentored through the process by Dr. Mary Pritchard from Boise State, Professor Heather Schoenherr at 91ɬÂþ, and current Boise State student research assistants. The bridge program allows 91ɬÂþ students to gain invaluable research skills, making them competitive for research assistantships upon transfer and facilitates connections to both Boise State faculty and students.

This year’s Psychology Research Bridge Program team consists of four students from 91ɬÂþ. Timothy Buckles and Meira Vaid, 2020 Psychology graduates, are from the previous cohort and now serve as peer mentors for the incoming research assistants, Kylee Malouf and Mercades Nelson. The research project aims to understand the impact of social media on mental health, with the goal of better understanding best practices for using social media.  

For more information on how to become a research assistant in the Psychology Research Bridge Program, contact Professor Heather Schoenherr at heatherschoenherr@cwi.edu or Dr. Mary Pritchard at marypritchard@boisestate.edu.

Interested in participating in the team’s current study? Want to win one of four $25 Amazon gift cards? Currently enrolled college students 18 and older are invited to participate in a research study on social media use, mental health, and social support in college students. The survey takes approximately 10-15 minutes to complete.

More from 91ɬÂþ

Arial view of the Agricultural Science Complex

91ɬÂþ’s Agricultural Sciences Complex brings learning to life through hands-on projects across Agricultural Sciences Programs.

Read more about Agricultural Sciences Complex Continues to Grow
Job and Career Fair

Meet with employers from across the Treasure Valley who are ready to put your skills to work! Whether you are seeking part-time work, a full-time position, or career advice, this event is...

Read more about Fall 2026 Job & Career Fair
FALL 2026 Club Fest

Club Fest is the gateway to discovering active Student Clubs, learning about upcoming initiatives, and finding out how to join groups that align with your interests.

Read more about Fall 2026 Club Fest
Work Based Learning Center employee chatting with student at table

The Work-Based Learning Center connects students, faculty, and employers to create real-world experiences that prepare students for successful careers.

Read more about Work-Based Learning Center Connects Education to Opportunity
President Gordon Jones speaking behind podium

91ɬÂþ faculty and staff came together to celebrate the College’s momentum, reflect on its impact, and look ahead to another year of serving the Treasure Valley.

Read more about 2026 Fall Address
Two students sit on the Learning steps at the Student Success Center

By bringing together the Library, Tutoring Services, and the Writing and AI Literacy Center, the Learning Commons gives students one place to find academic support.

Read more about A New Hub for Academic Support: Learning Commons
Lobby of Nampa Campus Academic Building filled with students

Discover and learn about resources, services, and opportunities on and off campus at the College's Student Resource Fair.

Read more about Fall 2026 Student Resource Fair
Group of students on campus

Get ready for Fall 2026 at 91ɬÂþ! Join us for Ready, Set, Thrive! on Aug. 14 to find classrooms, get organized, and start strong across 91ɬÂþ campuses.

Read more about Ready, Set, Thrive!
Three students stand near railing and laughing

Week of Welcome is a campuswide initiative designed to support students during their first week of classes and help them start the semester strong.

Read more about Welcome to Fall 2026, Otters!
Save the Date | 91ɬÂþ Week | Oct. 19 - 23

The weeklong celebration will recognize the people, programs, and partnerships that strengthen the College and the communities it serves.

Read more about Save the Date for 91ɬÂþ Week
Group of students in front of 91ɬÂþ sign

Designed for elementary through high school students, the camp introduced participants to technology, networking, and cybersecurity through hands-on learning experiences.

Read more about Students Explore Technology Careers at 91ɬÂþ Tech Quest Summer Camp
Tables of people in a banquet hall

91ɬÂþ honored student leaders, clubs, and advisors at the annual Student Leadership Awards Banquet, celebrating leadership, service, and campus impact.

Read more about Student Leaders, Clubs Recognized at 2026 Awards Banquet

News QR Code

URL: /news/bridge-program-gives-students-competitive-edge<br>