EDGE Program

Group of EDGE student members

The EDGE Program is designed to help incoming students build a strong foundation for success at Millikin University. Participation is required for incoming first-year students admitted with a high school GPA of 2.75 or below. Through a supportive summer bridge experience, students develop essential academic skills, connect with campus resources, build relationships with peers and mentors, and gain the confidence needed to make a successful transition to college. EDGE support continues throughout the first year, helping students stay engaged and on track toward their academic goals. 

Dates: Move-in and Orientation is Friday, July 16, 2027. The programs ends on August 19, 2027.

What are the goals?

  • Academic Preparedness: Strengthen students’ foundational academic skills by exposing them to college-level coursework and expectations, so they can confidently enter Millikin.
  • College Preparation and Adaptive Life Skills: Empower students to take ownership of their college journey by equipping them with the academic knowledge, essential life skills and career-ready confidence to make informed decisions, thrive independently and successfully transition into higher education and beyond.
  • Community Building: Students will identify and engage with campus and local community resources, organizations and networks to build meaningful connections that support their academic success, personal growth and sense of belonging in their college environment

  • The EDGE Program is a four-week summer bridge experience designed to help students make a successful transition to college while earning 6 college credit hours through two courses. The program is offered at no cost to participating students and provides an opportunity to get a head start on their Millikin experience. 

    Students living on campus move into their residence halls early, complete two college courses, connect with fellow students and EDGE Mentors, and participate in activities that introduce them to Millikin and the Decatur community. 

    The EDGE experience continues into the fall semester! Students enroll in EDGE Essentials, a one-credit-hour course designed to complement their first-semester coursework by strengthening academic skills, developing effective study habits, building time management strategies, and connecting students with campus resources. Throughout their first year, EDGE students also benefit from ongoing academic support and opportunities to connect with EDGE Mentors and Student Success Center (SSC) staff. 

  • The EDGE Program is designed for incoming first-year students who would benefit from additional academic preparation and support as they transition to college. Participation is required for students admitted to Millikin University with a high school GPA of 2.75 or below. 

    To continue into the fall semester, students must successfully complete the summer EDGE Program, including passing both summer EDGE courses. Students are also required to enroll in and successfully pass the one-credit-hour EDGE Essentials course during the fall semester to remain eligible to continue into the spring semester. 

    These requirements are designed to help students build a strong academic foundation, develop essential college success skills, and maintain momentum throughout their first year at Millikin.

  • The EDGE Program combines college coursework, academic skill-building, and engaging activities to help students prepare for life at Millikin. Throughout the summer, students will experience a structured schedule that balances academics, personal development, and opportunities to connect with others. 

    Weekdays: College Coursework 

    Weekdays are dedicated to completing two college courses (6 credit hours). Students will experience college-level expectations while developing the academic habits and confidence needed for success in the fall semester. 

    Weeknights: EDGE Essentials 

    Students participate in required evening sessions called EDGE Essentials, which introduce important skills and strategies for college success. Topics include time management, effective study habits, communication, wellness, self-advocacy, and more. These interactive sessions help students develop practical skills they can apply both inside and outside the classroom. 

    Weekends: Activities and Connections 

    Weekends include a mix of required and optional activities designed to help students build friendships, explore campus, and experience the Decatur community. From group activities to opportunities for recreation and exploration, students will have plenty of ways to connect with their peers and EDGE Mentors. 

    Meals and Campus Living 

    Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided throughout the program. Students living on campus will move into their residence halls early, giving them an opportunity to become comfortable with campus life before the fall semester begins. 

  • Special Advising Opportunities

    After completing the EDGE summer program, students benefit from intensive advising as they begin the exciting transition into college life. During your first year, EDGE mentors and Student Success Center (SSC) staff will work with you to remove any obstacles between you and academic progress. SSC staff also organize biweekly study tables and follow up with you at critical times throughout the semester, including class scheduling, midterms and exams.

    For more information about the Millikin EDGE Program, please contact the Student Success Center at StudentSuccessCenter@millikin.edu or 217.362.6424.

  • EDGE Mentors

    In addition to dedicated faculty and professional staff, Millikin’s EDGE Program is supported by the work of its enthusiastic peer mentors. Mentors help students develop good study habits, discover effective time management skills and make connections on campus. They are passionate about paying it forward to help students nurture their academic and personal success. Each EDGE student is paired in a cohort with a mentor who will be a key person as they navigate their first year at Millikin.