Bridges to a Brighter Future Outreach Program Names New Class of Students
June 8, 2015
The Bridges program has served more than 460 students in Greenville County since 1997
GREENVILLE, SC – Twenty-seven Greenville County high school students have been invited to participate in Furman University’s Bridges to a Brighter Future, a program whose mission is to give students the tools and support they need to overcome barriers, graduate from high school and enroll in college.
Since the program was launched in 1997, more than 460 students have participated in Bridges to a Brighter Future.
“Students selected for the program have demonstrated both academic and leadership potential, but are challenged by circumstances that may prevent them from fulfilling what they are capable of,” says Pam Davis, Bridges to a Brighter Future Director. “We offer life-changing experiences that expose students to academic success, and build character, self-confidence and resiliency,” she says.
The 27 students were chosen this year from a pool of 145 applicants. To be considered for the program, teachers and counselors nominate high school freshmen candidates who then complete a written application and participate in an interview.
Once selected, students take part in a comprehensive, year-round program which includes three components. Through Saturday College, students receive tutoring throughout the academic year. For three consecutive summers, students also attend Bridges Foundations, a four-week residential program on the Furman campus that provides students with academic and personal support. The third component, Crossing the Bridge, focuses on assisting students with the college enrollment process and the transition from high school to college. These students participate in an intensive one-week program on the Furman campus and receive continuous support throughout their college careers. In all, the Bridges program includes more than seven years of support.
The new class will join 51 students already in the program, bringing the total to 78 current Bridges students.
Students who will begin the Bridges program this summer are:
Berea High School: Chattlin Dillon; Erica Jones; Joana Londono
Blue Ridge High School: Brianna Moon
Carolina High School: Noemi Mendoza; Alex Ortega; Wade Shipman
Eastside High School: Sierra Nolau
Greenville High School: Jesus Lopez; Joseph Wilson; Heavenly Wyatt
Greenville Tech Charter: Kevin Sanchez-Tatun
Greer High School: Talaya Rice
Greer Middle College: Jessica Kuria
Hillcrest High School: Eric Henkel
JL Mann High School: Lachelle Byrd
Legacy Charter High School: Ariana Arguedas-Damian
Mauldin High School: Pablo Paz
Riverside High School: Sebastian Hole; Juan Mora; Andrea Rojas-Medina
Southside High School: Miracle Johnson
Travelers Rest High School: Wyatt Coker
Wade Hampton High School: Ja’Quavis Craig; Antwuan Walden
Woodmont High School: George Abreu; Wesley Huffman
Learn more about Bridges to a Brighter Future at www.bridgestoabrighterfuture.org, or contact program director Pam Davis at (864) 294-3135, or [email protected].
