Summer has brought out incredible energy and achievements from across all our verticals at the Foundation. From graduation to coding camps, our Scholars and partners have made these months truly memorable.

The summer began with lots of pride as our BridgeUP + OUT Scholars completed their final exams and Regents exams. The entire Class of 2025 graduated and are heading to college, a remarkable achievement that speaks to their dedication and hard work, as well as this program’s impact. After graduation, Scholars dove into valuable summer meaningful experiences, from working in park crews throughout the city with SCA to gaining hands-on healthcare experience at Mount Sinai. These opportunities provide real-world skills that will serve them well in their college careers and beyond. 

The HGB team and the BridgeUP + OUT team attended the BridgeUP Health program’s final presentations. Scholars worked  hard over the summer on their photo-voice projects and it was amazing to see them come to life. The event brought together a great blend of family, friends, colleagues, and staff gathering to cheer on the hard work demonstrated. Congratulations to all who have successfully completed the program!

Memphis had a special visitor in June when mentor Eric Chaman, an FEI dressage rider and Pan American athlete, returned to the BridgeUP: GiddyUP stables. He represented Peru in prior Olympic Games and brought his expertise to share with the group. He led an intensive day featuring competition, stable skills workshops, and mindset training sessions. Eric first worked with BridgeUP: GiddyUP during their inaugural Spectacular Showcase in 2022. His challenging journey to reach the Grand Prix level as an international dressage competitor provided powerful inspiration for our young equestrians.

In Atlanta, the BridgeUP: STEM high school summer coding camp kicked off  with students diving into computing fundamentals. In the second week of the program, students learned all about Python programming from Lakeisha Fuller, who was able to accommodate the Scholar cohort at all different entry levels. In addition, Scholars participated in an informative Google professional panel, where they engaged with engineers, managers, and sales representatives. They were exposed to a diverse array of career paths within the tech space, giving them clarity on what a future in this industry could look like. Throughout programming, Faculty Fireside chats provided personal and professional insights from distinguished mentors including Dr. Sonia Chernova, Dr. Rosa Arriaga, Dr. Kexin Rong, and Dr. Judith Uchidiuno. These intimate conversations have been particularly engaging for Scholars, offering glimpses into academic and research careers.

The BOLD Theater Women’s Leadership Circle continued its impactful work with their 6th annual convening in NYC. Artistic Directors and Associates gathered for networking, bonding, and collaborative discussions, with participants traveling from across our network to make this valuable day possible.

Our theater partners within the BOLD Circle have achieved remarkable milestones this summer. The Alliance Theatre opened “Rhythm and Thread” and “Milo Imagines the World” while celebrating the Tony wins for “Maybe Happy Ending” (Best Musical, Best Score, Best Book of a Musical), which had its English language premiere at the Alliance. Northern Stage Theater hosted a developmental reading for the musical “Shook” in NYC which is majorly exciting. They’ve also surpassed fundraising goals for The Vermont Farm Project cast album recording, an original play written and directed by BOLD Associate Director, Sarah Wansley. 

In early July, the Foundation had our annual executive retreat. Our time together was filled with workshops, presentations, and guests from across our network. This productive week generated fresh ideas, strengthened bonds, and created lasting memories while bringing together the consultants and thought leaders who spark magic throughout our programs.

The Brown Institute for Media Innovation announced winners of the 14th Magic Grant competition, supporting projects that explore how technology can advance journalism, civic life, and creative expression. Eleven full Magic Grants were awarded for 2025-26, plus one Seed grant. Some bicoastal collaborations include LAIA, an AI-powered system for drafting Freedom of Information Act appeals to strengthen government transparency in Brazil, and Pattern Magic, which will convert 60,000 historical sewing patterns into interactive 3D garments for scholars and educators. Also,he Summer Entrepreneurship Program launched mid-June with five teams (three from the Venture Competition and two from the Magic Grant cohort) participating in an eight-week program culminating in a pitch competition for 2025-26 Magic Grant funding later this year

These summer months have showcased the incredible diversity and impact of our Foundation’s work. From equestrian excellence in Memphis to theatrical achievement across our BOLD Circle, we’re witnessing the power of collective action, comprehensive support, and innovative programming.

Here’s to continued growth and success in the months ahead!