Bridge Program Gives Students a Competitive Edge

Published: September 10, 2021

A primary goal of the Psychology program at Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµÍø (CWI) 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 CWI and was created.

Students currently enrolled at CWI 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 CWI, and current Boise State student research assistants. The bridge program allows CWI 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 CWI. 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 CWI

Save the Date | CWI 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 CWI Week
Group of students in front of CWI 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 CWI Tech Quest Summer Camp
Popcorn bucket, tickets, and clapperboard

Students and their guests are invited to join the Student Engagement team at Majestic Cinemas in Meridian all summer long for free movies and snacks.

Read more about CWI Summer 2026 Movie Series
Tables of people in a banquet hall

CWI 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
People roaming around the Greenhouse

Proceeds from the sale directly support student learning in the Horticulture Technology program, helping fund courses and student learning.

Read more about Annual Plant Sale Raises 17K for Students
Person looking through library books

The Library helps students build those skills while providing access to research tools, study spaces, technology, and personalized support throughout their academic journey.

Read more about Learning Commons: Library
Winners with a giant check

Students, employees, and community members pitched business ideas, side hustles, and early-stage ventures through to win prize funding and audience support.

Read more about Spring 2026 OtterTank Showcases and Celebrates Entrepreneurs
Barrel marked with Boise Rescue Mission signs

Student Nurses Association is partnering with Boise Rescue Mission Ministries to collect hygiene products for local community members in need.

Read more about Spring Into the Spirit of Giving Back
Two people holding plates of pancakes

The CWI Learning Commons team is hosting a series of events designed to help students prepare, relax, and find motivation as they head into the final stretch of the semester.

Read more about Spring 2026 Crunch Week
People sitting on a bench at the Student Arboretum

A year later after its open, the Student Arboretum has become an outdoor classroom, sustainability project, and growing community resource.

Read more about Student Arboretum Grows into Hands-On Learning Space
Two people working on an assignment

The Writing and AI Literacy Center is available to help students strengthen their writing, develop confidence, and learn how to use emerging AI tools responsibly.

Read more about Learning Commons: Writing and AI Literacy Center
PTK Cohort at Induction ceremony

CWI's Phi Theta Kappa chapter, Beta Sigma Pi Honor Society, inducted 24 new members, bringing another group of student leaders into the College’s honor society community.

Read more about PTK Welcomes 24 New Inductees

News QR Code

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