Bridges Logo


  

LARGEST AFTERSCHOOL COLLABORATIVE
IN THE NATION


  
  


 
 Click here to visit all the Critters!

 

Outcomes

Bridges is producing positive outcomes for students and their families. Check out Michigan State University’s report on how Bridges to the Future continues to make a difference for the youth of Genesee County.

Mini-Grant Proposals At Work
The Bridges to the Future (BTF) Partnership (United Way of Genesee County, Flint Community Schools, Genesee Intermediate School District, and the County’s additional 20 school districts) sought mini-grant proposals from Bridges to the Future Youth Advisory Councils (YAC’s) that promote core YAC principles. The proposals could request up to $500 for a YAC project and the proposals had to be developed by the YAC members. These proposals were reviewed by a YAC mini-grant subcommittee consisting of nine young people from Flint, Lake Fenton, Genesee, Davison and Montrose. This group came together for the first time this school year and second time since the pilot YAC mini-grant subcommittee was launched in the spring of 2007.  These young people serve as the main decision body for selecting which programs will be funded based upon the overall quality of the proposals and their adherence to these goals:

  • Promote personal development and leadership skills for youth advisory council members
  • Strengthen the fiscal support for YAC activities
  • Develop strong support for service learning and/or community project work in our youth
On October 30th 2007, the subcommittee met and five programs were awarded YAC mini-grants of $500. The YAC programs awarded grants are Durant Tuuri Mott, Scott, and Williams Elementary schools which are all located in Flint. The other funded proposals were from Lake Fenton Middle School and Genesee Haas Elementary school. This group will meet again in February 2008 to review another round of proposals.

2007 Award Recipient
2007 Educational Excellence Award from the Michigan Association of School Boards
2007 Michigan's Best from the Michigan Association of School Boards

2006 Award Recipient
2006 Child Advocacy Award from Catholic Charities of Shiawassee and Genesee Counties.

2006 Award Recipient
Bridges to the Future received the 2006 Outstanding Community Initiative that provides Safe Places to Learn and Play for Children Award at the 11th Annual Children's Champion Awards hosted by Priority Children on February 10, 2006.

What is Bridges to the Future?

Bridges to the Future is a youth development program offered in Genesee County before and after school to children in kindergarten through ninth grade.  BTF is an innovative partnership between United Way of Genesee County, Flint Community Schools, The Genesee Intermediate School District, and the county's other 20 public school districts serving over 16,000 children.

BTF is an adaptive youth development model that reinforces the fundamentals learned during the school day by providing fun and creative learning experiences. The focus of Bridges to the Future is to build positive assets and promote youth development through not only academics, but social and cultural enrichment as well.  BTF activities focus on 10 program strategies: Academics, Visual & Performing Arts, Career Exploration, Family Involvement, Fitness, Lifeskills, Recreation, Sports, Technology and Youth Advisory Councils.

BTF is a community collaboration, utilizing school buildings and staff, volunteers, and community partners such as Big Brother Big Sisters, Red Cross, and Longway Planetarium to provide services. Because BTF is funded by blending private, foundation, and government dollars, Bridges is currently free for all. Adobe Reader is needed to view the newsletter. Click here to download Adobe Reader.
 

 

Sign Up for Bridges eBuzz

SAVE THE DATE
 

United Way of Genesee County

Funding Partners
Bridges to the Future is a Youth Development Program delivered before and after school and funded by C.S. Mott Foundation; United Way of Genesee County; the State of Michigan Department of Human Services; Safe Schools Healthy Students - US Department of Education, Juvenile Justice and Health & Human Service; Ruth Mott Foundation; 21st Century Community Learning Centers Program – Michigan Department of Education; Character Education - US Department of Education; and the Michigan Nutrition Network - USDA.