Building Bridges

Fostering Connections. Forging Community. Finding Talent.

Building Bridges is a strategic recruitment and retention initiative aligned with St. George’s School’s commitment to equitable and inclusive practices.
 
Our mission is to cultivate purposeful partnerships between historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and independent schools nationwide. Through immersive programming, we serve aspiring educators from HBCUs and students at independent schools, promoting access, exposure, and mutual engagement across both communities. We aim to enrich the independent school landscape, inspire equitable and inclusive practices, and foster culturally responsive environments.

Through meaningful partnerships with peer independent schools and HBCUs, Building Bridges creates pathways for educators from underrepresented groups, offering immersive opportunities, community connection, and long-term professional growth.

With our collaborative model, Building Bridges has the potential to create national impact by transforming how independent schools recruit, support, and retain talented educators—while also introducing independent school students to the rich legacy, academic excellence, and cultural significance of HBCUs.

Program Objectives

  • Position Building Bridges as an industry leader in the recruitment, retention, and advancement of educators of color within the independent school sector.

  • Build and sustain meaningful, trust-based partnerships with HBCUs and peer independent schools.

  • Expand access to and awareness of independent schools for aspiring educators of color.

  • Design and deliver programming that fosters a safe, supportive, and growth-oriented community for aspiring educators from HBCUs through workshops, mentorship, and networking events.

  • Broaden independent school students’ awareness of the legacy, value, and excellence offered through an HBCU educational experience.

Core Values

  • Equity and Inclusion: Partner schools share St. George’s School's commitment to equity and inclusion as outlined in our Diversity Vision Statement and demonstrate a sustained commitment to creating equitable and inclusive school communities.
     

  • Relationships: We prioritize authentic, mission-aligned partnerships rooted in trust, accountability, and shared purpose.

Opportunities

Partner schools provide meaningful, hands-on experiences for Building Bridges participants, along with mentorship, support, and resources necessary for personal and professional growth.

 

Building Bridges Program Director Dwayne Pina
 

Contact Dwayne