Eligibility and Joining SpringForward

SpringForward Enrollment

The program uses a three-tiered approach to engage students: enrollment in an academic skills and strategies course, ESEPSY 2059, during their first year; participation in the Summer Enrichment Program in the summer before their second year; and ongoing monitoring, support, and engagement through graduation.


ESEPSY 2059: Becoming a Self-Regulated Learner

  • The purpose of this course is to help you become a self-regulated learner—someone who creates effective plans, evaluates how well your strategies are working, and adapts your approach based on the results you’re getting.
  • In addition to learning skills like time management and better note-taking, you’ll also learn how to set goals, bounce back, and be resilient.
  • You will also cover the culture and expectations of higher education and how to get the most out of resources and support services.

How do I enroll in ESEPSY 2059?

  • We encourage you to talk with your academic advisor or SpringForward about how your semester is going and ways you would like to improve. If SpringForward is right for you, your advisor can add ESEPSY 2059 to your class schedule.
  • Columbus campus students can also email us at springforward@osu.edu and request to have the course added to your schedule.

SpringForward Summer Enrichment Program

Gap Scholarship awarded to cover up to 7 credit hours during summer term

  1. 6 credit hours of GE courses
  2. Enrollment in EXP 2100

Academic Support

  1. Enrollment in EXP 2100: Summer Experience- Strategies for Academic and Personal Success
  2. One on one academic coaching
  3. Personalized academic advising
  4. Opportunity for instructor feedback

Community

  1. Online weekly synchronous class meetings
  2. Virtual community engagement opportunities (trivia, cooking class, wellness activities, painting class, etc.)
  3. Staff and faculty mentors

Criteria Considered for Acceptance

  • New, first year students (typically graduated high school last year)
  • Ohio resident
  • Responses to essay questions on SpringForward application
    • Motivation to improve academic performance
    • Rationale for applying to the program
    • Willingness to seek help and use campus resources
  • Degree of financial need
  • Potential to benefit from the program
  • Ability to commit to summer experience

How do I apply for the summer enrichment program?

The application for summer 2025 is now open. Spots are limited. APPLY NOW! The SpringForward application can be found by logging in to Scholarship Universe and searching for “SpringForward”.

“After my first year, i was looking at the numbers and I was like ‘yo, I’m gonna have to climb some type of mountain.’ If it wasn’t for SpringForward and I wasn’t able to have that academic growth during summertime, I’m not sure that I would have been able to come back and climb the mountain.” – SpringForward Summer 2023 participant


Students in line for food at SpringForward eventOngoing Support

SpringForward provides the resources, space, and support to allow students to improve their academic trajectory and continue to persist and graduate. After participating in the summer program students will continue to be supported by SpringForward through 1:1 advising, academic coaching, ongoing account monitoring and review, workshop opportunities, monthly social events, tutoring and supplemental instruction, and unique opportunities to participate in STEP cohorts.