The Program
The three-phase program creates a track toward a career in education, providing hands-on experience and professional development. In addition to supporting faculty recruitment and retention goals for member schools, Building Bridges also fosters relationships between private school students and HBCUs. Ultimately, the program enriches our network of schools and educators, promoting equity, inclusion, and educational excellence..
Phase 1
CAREER EXPLORATION
The initiative provides aspiring educators with a unique opportunity to explore the world of independent schools. Through a carefully structured in-person experience, participants gain valuable insight into the distinctive locations, philosophies, teaching methodologies, departments, and student-centered approaches that are the hallmarks of independent schools.
Phase 2
SUMMER TEACHING & LEARNING INSTITUTE
Select students return for a fully-immersive week-long teaching experience, applying what they learned in a real-world setting.
Phase 3
TEACHING PRACTICUM
This five-day professional development program brings together
early-career and pre-service HBCU educators in a supportive
environment, focusing on personal and professional growth,
innovative teaching strategies, and community building.
The Impact
Building Bridges has evolved from a visionary concept in 2020 into a proven initiative with measurable outcomes. In a remarkably short timeframe, we have successfully established a high-impact pipeline that promotes access, exposure, and mutual engagement across two vital educational communities. Our rapid growth underscores the urgent need for this work and the effectiveness of our collaborative model.
BROAD REACH
We have successfully engaged 10 HBCUs and over 30 independent schools to date.
TANGIBLE GROWTH
Our reach includes 85 HBCU participants, 18 early career educators, and 7 teaching fellows who have benefited from our programming.
COMPREHENSIVE PROGRAMMING
We have facilitated 18 unique programs, including Summer Teaching and Learning Institutes, Career Exploration events, and Mini Practicums.
We have successfully engaged 10 HBCUs and over 30 independent schools to date.
TANGIBLE GROWTH
Our reach includes 85 HBCU participants, 18 early career educators, and 7 teaching fellows who have benefited from our programming.
COMPREHENSIVE PROGRAMMING
We have facilitated 18 unique programs, including Summer Teaching and Learning Institutes, Career Exploration events, and Mini Practicums.
INSTITUTIONAL BACKING
We are a recognized E.E. Ford Foundation $250,000 grant recipient, underscoring the confidence major philanthropic organizations have in our model.
We are a recognized E.E. Ford Foundation $250,000 grant recipient, underscoring the confidence major philanthropic organizations have in our model.