BridgeUP +OUT
What is BridgeUP+OUT?
BridgeUP + OUT is the core of all our BridgeUP programs. In its original form form 2013-2018, BridgeUP + OUT was the New York Public Library’s innovative after-school program that provided New York City students, from 8th grade through high school, with a multi-year cohort of motivated peers. In 2019, the BridgeUP: CORE program transitioned out of the NYPL, and into Cardinal Hayes High School, where it has since established a more centralized home in the South Bronx. Despite the transition out of the NYPL and into the south Bronx, the aim of BridgeUP + OUT program has remained the same – to provide its students with long-term mentorship, daily academic support, and access to engaging learning opportunities that foster academic independence, critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity.
THE PROBLEM & PARADIGM
Why the Bronx?
BridgeUP+OUT is a four-year program which offers services to students of all backgrounds from the Concourse Village neighborhood in the Bronx. Concourse Village has consistently ranked among the highest-risk neighborhoods in the NYC Community Risk Index, coming in at #6 in 2023.
While we know that the environment around young people contributes significantly to future ability to thrive, BridgeUP+OUT seeks to uncouple environmental risk factors from opportunity and success by providing a safe space for participants during after school hours, offering social-emotional learning and guidance, and 1:1 educational support.
THE APPROACH
Whole-Student Health
BridgeUP+OUT takes a multi-pronged approach to helping students flourish. We operate in 4 of the 6 Community Risk Domains, alleviating pressures where they exist and providing supplements where there are gaps. With 250 students having passed through the program, we are able to commit time, attention, and guidance to every student.
Alongside tuition support, BridgeUP connects students to meaningful summer experiences which follow an earn-to-learn model to ensure students with financial responsibilities are able to participate. These summer programs span volunteer opportunities, summer educational programs, sleep-away camps, and internships. In addition, BridgeUP provides additional funding for those students with special interests or passions that they want to explore and pursue.
The goal of BridgeUP’s high school programming is to help every student identify their desired post-secondary pathway, be it college, vocational or technical school, direct-to-employment, or other entrepreneurial endeavors, and to ensure that they are set up for success on that chosen pathway. We believe that every student has the potential to succeed beyond the limitations of their environment.
BridgeUP+OUT success so far
Across nearly all indicators of youth success, BridgeUP students are succeeding beyond their peers. Through tailored support and enrichment activities, BridgeUP participants gain access to valuable personal development opportunities, mentorship, and hands-on experiences that significantly enhance their ability to perform both inside the classroom and beyond it.
The program’s comprehensive approach, which pairs each student with a personal coach alongside a network of mentors and guides, not only helps them excel in their current studies but also equips them with the confidence and competencies needed for future challenges.
“BridgeUP is the best thing that ever happened to me. I appreciate all of my fellows and tutors who always encourage me to do better and more than what I already do. I am just surrounded by people who give out a sense of comfort and support and spread out good vibes to everyone. I also appreciate the many resources BridgeUP has. They have almost everything you would need to be successful in high school. No project or assignment is ever incomplete because you have the people and things necessary to get those things done.”
– Nicholas, BridgeUP + OUT Scholar
