program model
Program for Baltimore City Youth
Objectives: From age 9 to age 23, Bridges’ year-round program helps Baltimore City youth find consistent academic success from elementary school through high school, graduate from high school and college, and find fulfilling career paths that lead to financial security.
The Bridges Program: Bridges recruits elementary-aged students from Title I public schools in Baltimore. Students enter Bridges’ 13-year program just after third grade. The year-round initiative provides summer enrichment, school-year success resources (including group programming and individual support), and school placement support. The program evolves as students grow and enter middle school, high school, college, and careers.
Program for Independent School Volunteers
Objectives: Bridges’ program model creates a space for independent school students of all backgrounds to build close and caring relationships with Baltimore City School students, learn about issues of unequal access and opportunity in Baltimore, and be part of building a more inclusive and equitable society.
The Bridges Program: Bridges’ four program locations – Bridges at The St. Paul’s Schools, Bridges at Gilman School, Bridges at The Bryn Mawr School, and Bridges at McDonogh School – recruit independent school students from their school communities starting in ninth grade. Volunteer commitments are for one season at a time and are available four seasons per year. Independent school students assist in programs with Bridges’ youngest students and receive training that centers around relationship-building, leadership, and understanding Baltimore’s educational landscape and history of segregation.