The APS Bridge Program

The APS Bridge Program (APS-BP) was established to address the observed drop in the number of Physics bachelor degree recipients from underrepresented groups who go on to Ph.D. studies, relative to non-minority peers. To do this, it has seeded the development of post-baccalaureate or M.S. degree programs within a network of physics departments. These programs aim to prepare students with undergraduate degrees in physics or related fields who either had not applied to Ph.D. programs, or had applied but not been admitted, to successfully enter them. Over the past eight years, the APS-BP sites have collectively erased the Ph.D. studies enrollment shortfall through programs that emphasize holistic admissions approaches, attention to induction and course placement, research engagement, mentoring, and professional development. This mini-panel will present the perspectives of a faculty member (Urheim) directing an APS-BP site, a current Ph.D. student (Ashley Brooks) who has transitioned through it, and a member of the APS staff (Bri\'an Clash) who has been engaged in multi-faceted aspects of the administration of the program.