Bridges to Independence Receives Support from AT&T
(Arlington, VA) – Bridges to Independence received a $20,000 grant from AT&T Foundation to support the continuation of Bridges’ Youth Development Program. The Youth Development Program focuses on providing opportunities to low-income high school students in Arlington, VA, by improving students’success getting into college through mentoring with community leaders, internships with local businesses, and tutoring to improve academic performance.
The funding will help Bridges to Independence move mentoring, tutoring, and the internships move virtually during the COVID-19 coronavirus.
“We are very appreciative of AT&T’s contribution. They have proven themselves to be prominent members in our community, committed to helping vulnerable youth. In these uncertain times, with virtual classes and social distancing, our youth are craving interaction and are requesting to meet with their tutors and mentors up to three times a week, instead of once a week. The funding from AT&T will help us navigate a virtual path and revise our program,” said Sam Kelly, Bridges’ Chief Executive Officer.
“We’re excited to help Bridges to Independence work with young people in Arlington who face significant challenges as they prepare for life after high school. As students move to online and digital engagement, our contribution will help students improve academic performance, develop leadershipskills, and explore college and career opportunities,” said Garrett McGuire, regional director for AT&T inVirginia.
Bridges to Independence’s Youth Development Program is offered to families who have received servicesand case management through Bridges’ shelter and housing programming. The program creates a place for youth to take on leadership roles, learn appropriate self-expression, build and maintain positive relationships, receive mentorship, and learn skills for post-high-school success. The vision is to provide them with foundational skills to begin their lives after high school focused on breaking generational cycles of poverty. The two organizations share a goal to empower youth to reach their highest potential.
About Bridges to Independence:
Bridges to Independence is a 501c3 nonprofit based in Arlington, VA, whose mission is to lead individuals and families out of homelessness and into stable, independent futures. Founded in 1985, Bridges to Independence programming focuses on stabilization (from homeless to hopeful), employment (from minimal to livable wage), and prevention (breaking the cycle of poverty) for homeless families to build a bridge to self-sufficiency. For more information about the nonprofit or ways to get involved, visit https://bridges2.org or call (703) 525-7177.
About Philanthropy & Social Innovation at AT&T
AT&T Inc. is committed to advancing education, strengthening communities and improving lives. Through its community initiatives, AT&T has a long history of investing in projects that create learning opportunities; promote academic and economic achievement; or address community needs. Thecompany’s signature philanthropic initiative, AT&T Aspire, drives innovation in education to promote student success in school and beyond. With a financial commitment of $550 million since 2008, AT&T is leveraging technology, relationships and social innovation to help all students make their biggest dreams a reality.
