As summer winds down, our participants are continuing with remarkable drive across all our programs. From mentorship opportunities in professional settings to hands-on conservation work and artistic endeavors, our participants have embraced growth and learning at every turn in August. 

The OGC at Hearst successfully hosted a comprehensive Summer Mentorship program for participants in the BridgeUP + OUT program in the South Bronx. Students commuted into the Tower for an array of workshops and presentations from professionals across the company, providing valuable exposure to workforce preparation and diverse career paths. Throughout the program, they heard from members of the Human Resources team, the OGC team, the Finance team, and many other departments. They walked away with real-world insights into corporate environments and professional opportunities.

At BridgeUP: Environment, Priscilla, a BridgeUP + OUT rising sophomore, participated in her first SCA summer job. She gained hands-on experience across multiple impactful projects, including surveying trees in Bronx parks, removing invasive species at Randall’s Island, and helping build a new trail at Bloomingdale Park in Staten Island. She developed essential skills in communication, tool use and maintenance, and teamwork. Reflecting on the importance of collaboration, she shared that “if everyone works as a team, things get done faster and predictably.” Most importantly, Priscilla discovered a genuine passion for the outdoors and conservation work. In her reflection letter, she wrote: “This is my first year on a crew and I’m grateful for every moment; thanks for allowing me to experience this change.”

At Southern Blues Equestrian Center, we’ve welcomed a new wave of Havenview riders who have officially joined the BridgeUP: GiddyUP community! Our veteran riders are embracing leadership roles by taking the reins and providing mentorship to younger students, sharing their knowledge about what makes a successful equestrian. It’s a full circle moment that has positioned them to teach new and eager students about why horsemanship is so special.

In Atlanta, at Georgia Tech, Helen Fellows at BridgeUP: STEM participated in a comprehensive orientation, covering class expectations, lab research best practices, faculty mentor communication, community events, and evaluation data. Looking ahead, all eight Helen Fellows will be attending the prestigious Grace Hopper conference in Chicago from November 4th to 7th. Past Helen Fellows have valued this conference for its focus on empowering women in tech through networking, learning, and amplifying best practices for research in the field.

Within our Empowering Women vertical, exciting developments are also underway in the BOLD Theater Circle at McCarter Theatre, where “I & You: The Musical” is currently in rehearsals. This BOLD Theater Venture grant from 2023 will now be presented as a World Premiere production opening the McCarter 25/26 Mainstage Theatre Season, directed by BOLD Artistic Director, Sarah Rasmussen. BOLD Associate Artistic Director Donya K. Washington and BOLD Artistic and Casting Coordinator Meredith Bartmon were integral parts of the casting team for the show. Donya has also begun rehearsals on “Sweat” for Undergrad Drama at Tisch/NYU.

BOLD WLN Scholars have remained actively engaged throughout the summer months, participating in various internships and meaningful initiatives. At Colby-Sawyer College, Destiny C., Class of 2025, is currently in the first quarter of her fellowship with Global Lawyers for Refugees. She was given the opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C. as a learning experience. As she reflected: “[My days] don’t involve sightseeing, but are incredibly rewarding nonetheless! I had the opportunity to sit in on 13 cases at the D.C. Superior Court and I was absolutely captivated! From observing the use of different motions, to seeing how both the prosecution and defense shaped their arguments, to witnessing the judge’s thoughtful decisions that balanced rehabilitation with public safety – I was fully immersed.”

As we transition from summer into fall, we’re energized by the momentum and achievements across all our programs. We look forward to sharing more exciting updates as the new academic and program year unfolds. Check back next month for more updates on our continuing initiatives and new developments!