A BluePrint for Success: Case Studies of Successful - Educational ...

A Blueprint for Success
III — Bridges to a Brighter Future
Furman University
3300 Pointsett Highway, Greenville, SC 29613
864-294-3135 (v) 864-294-3378 (f)
http://www.bridgestoabrighterfuture.org
Tobi Swartz, Director
tobi.swartz@furman.edu
Bridges to a Brighter Future provides an example of a successful
program that underwent a very intentional process of
identity-building midway through its existence. In addition to
developing new programs to meet identified student needs,
Bridges strives to be a source of pride-in-membership to its
students. To achieve this, the program maintains high expectations
for all participants and includes many traditions,
chants, and ceremonies for public recognition of student academic
success. The program collects both verifiable and selfreported
student data to measure student outcomes related to
high school graduation, college enrollment, and college completion.
Program Overview
Bridges to a Brighter Future (BBF) is a comprehensive college
access program for Greenville County high school students
“whose potential outdistances their circumstances.” The mission
is to break the cycle of poverty and low-educational attainment
by equipping students with the tools and support
needed to graduate from high school, enroll in post-secondary
education, and graduate with a post-secondary degree. BBF
accomplishes its mission by engaging students in an intensive
seven-year program that begins in ninth grade and ends after
GENERAL INFORMATION:
§ Program began operation in 1997
§ This is a Privately-­‐funded Program
§ This program operates during the:
☐ Academic Year
☐ Summer
þ Both
§ Services are provided during:
☐ During regular school hours
þ After school hours
þ Weekends
§ Services students in: Greenville
County School District, Greenville,
South Carolina
§ Urbanicity: Urban area
§ Duration of Program: Full academic
year
§ Typical number of years students are
in the program: more than 5 years
§ Primary services are provided at:
College campus
§ Grade level when students enter the
program: 9
§ Students served:
o 2008-­‐09 = 78
o 2009-­‐10 = 76
§ Parental Component: Yes. FAFSA
counseling/guidance.
§ Program Funding Provided By:
Business/Industry; Private
Foundation; Individual;
College/University; Fundraising.
§ Targeted Population: Low income;
Historically underrepresented
minorities; ESL students; First
generation to attend college ;
Dropout, stopout, or at-­‐risk students ;
High school students; Academically
successful, B average students and
students with high need for support.
college graduation. The program includes a four-week summer residential program at Furman University,
year-round monthly support through Bridges Saturday College, and Crossing the Bridge, a
transition program to ensure students successfully start and graduate from college. This comprehensive
program transforms lives by building academic success, self-confidence, resiliency, leadership,
and character.
Educational Policy Institute 18 www.educationalpolicy.org