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Coming in 2022: Bridges at Bryn Mawr
The Bryn Mawr School and Bridges are formalizing a partnership that will expand the Bridges program beginning in June 2022 .
Bridges is an inspiring and impactful organization that works year-round with Baltimore City youth from elementary school until the start of their careers. Founded in 1993 at The St. Paul’s Schools, Bridges expanded to Gilman School in 2014 and now works year-round with nearly 300 Baltimore City youth ages 9-23 providing year-round academic and enrichment programs, guidance and support. Bridges at Bryn Mawr will be the organization’s third host site.
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“As a school dedicated to preparing young women for considered and consequential lives, we want students of all ages to grow into active citizens who feel connected and engaged with their broader community,” said Head of School Sue Sadler. “Bridges at Bryn Mawr will help advance this important element of our school mission.”
The program relies on nearly 200 Baltimore independent high school students to volunteer at Bridges’ host sites after school and work throughout the summer with Bridges’ youngest students. Bryn Mawr students have been volunteering with Bridges for many years and several have shared that it was a highlight of their Upper School years. The experience creates a space for independent school students of all backgrounds to build close relationships with Baltimore City School students, learn about access and opportunity, and be part of building a more inclusive and equitable community.
Bridges at Bryn Mawr will open in June 2022 with a summer enrichment program for an initial cohort of about 30 rising fourth and fifth grade students and follow with the after school program during the school year. Each year, a new group of rising fourth grade students will enter the 13-year program. Over time, the program will grow to support the long term success of 150 Baltimore City students and provide 70 high school students per year in the Bryn Mawr community with year-round tutoring and learning experiences. Together, Bridges and Bryn Mawr will hire a site director and Bryn Mawr will provide in-kind fiscal sponsorship, facilities and administrative support.
Sue Sadler and Bridges’ Executive Director Rob Paymer have been working since 2017 to bring the program to Bryn Mawr. She is grateful that Bridges at Bryn Mawr will expand on-campus volunteer opportunities for our students and, “importantly, establish a mutually-enriching partnership that will strengthen our connections with the people and communities of Baltimore.”
Paymer is thrilled about the program expansion. “Opening a third site in Baltimore is an extraordinary milestone for Bridges and we are grateful for the supporters and partners that have continued to invest and help steadily expand Bridges’ impact.”
Learn more at bridgesbaltimore.org.
