In a previous post we outlined what happens to high school students who have successfully completed their grades 1-8 immersion experience. We also have highlighted how this has worked out for those taking Spanish Immersion (which is a couple of years ahead of Chinese Immersion) in its development.
In this post we want to give an update on what is called the “bridge program,” in which students who have passed the AP Language and Culture test with a score of 3 or higher can take college courses in 10-12 grade. “The Bridge Program is a partnership between high schools and all of Utah’s public institutions of higher education. Credit from Bridge Courses will be accepted by all universities towards a minor/ major in the language of study.” Discussion are also underway with Brigham Young University, the largest private institute of higher education in the state to accept these classes as well.
The “Bridge courses” are college level courses, with different courses being offered in 10th, 11th and 12th grades – helping students earn both high school and college credit. These are advanced 3000-level university courses. Typically, five such courses would be required to minor in a foreign language. This means that students can graduate from high school just two classes short of a minor in the foreign language. In some cases universities may offer majors as well or opportunities for students to dive deep into the major along with language (e.g., study abroad experiences or internships in China).
For updated information on which colleges in the state have Chinese majors and minors, please see the FAQ page for the Bridge Program.
Update** The below comes from Jill Landes-Lee Bridge Program, state director:
“If I’d like to offer some additional information on the credits after high school that would lead to a minor or major. In accordance with Senator Stephenson’s SB152, all public institutions in Utah shall accept the Bridge Course credit toward a minor/major pathway. However, each university has slightly unique requirements for a minor/major, so when students arrive on campus it’s predicted that departments will require 2 or 3 additional courses for the minor. We will continue to work with departments across the state to learn about and publish their minor/major pathways over the next few years, preparing for DLI/Bridge students to arrive on our campuses in 2022-23. Exciting times! Please continue to check our website for updates.
Utah Mandarin Immersion Parent Council 