Bridges

Bridges, Youth At Union's middle school initiative is a comprehensive program housed within Isaac Newton Middle School for Math and Science. The program works with participants 11-15 who are interested in arts, academic enhancement and physical education.

As participants age out of Rising Stars their developmental needs change. As they enter into a different phase of adolescence their feelings of security and autonomy may feel conflicted. Bridges, using Youth Development principles, addresses these needs by increasing their input into program design with the guidance of the program staff. This year the program launched along with Settlement College Readiness its College Preparation component. Modeled after successful college preparation programs Bridges differs in two ways; it works with participants of all motivational levels and it addresses all of the needs of the participants and families with linkages to the network of Union Settlement Association resources.

During the 6-week summer session participants partake in an array of fun, challenging and engaging activities- trips, team building exercises, and learning opportunities. Additionally, in the summer the Bridges program increases its community activism activities as participants seek ways to make contributions to the Harlem community. Whether cleaning a playground, volunteering at a Senior Home, working with local New York City Fire Department Houses and New York City Police precincts the participants actively seeks opportunities to better New York City.

For further information or to donate resources please contact:
Bridges Program Coordinator,
Robert Johnson
(212) 828-6116 
rjohnson@unionsett.org

Programs