Bridges to the Future is…

A system of comprehensive afterschool programs that focus on student learning and youth development.

Representatives from United Way/Bridges, Flint Community Schools, Genesee Intermediate School District and the C.S. Mott Foundation (the “Bridges partners”) have created a strategic plan to redesign Bridges to provide a research-based, effective afterschool program model to the students with the greatest needs. To develop this plan for what will ultimately be a 10-year process, they considered questions of governance, management structure, program structure, criteria for selecting schools and sites, quality development, and staffing. It is expected that greater details will be decided when new management staff are hired, but they will have as a guide the following broad framework for the early years of establishing a high-quality afterschool initiative focused on positive student outcomes.

This broad framework for the new Bridges model involves some fundamental changes:
A new set of student and program outcomes for sites to work toward.
Targeted allocation of resources for the highest-need sites.
A comprehensive quality improvement system to help meet the new outcomes.
A new governance structure.

New Student and Program Outcomes
At a two-day retreat in February, representatives from a broad array of program levels within Bridges came together to refine the Bridges model and articulate desired participant and program outcomes to help create a framework and a foundation for more-detailed planning later. They created a broad array of outcome goals to ensure continued growth and learning for both students and the system Those outcomes were further developed by the Outcomes, Data and Evaluation workgroup. The intent was to better support positive student outcomes and establish Bridges as a model afterschool program that will support the community and be supported by the community into the future (see Appendix A, “Bridges to the Future Strategic Planning Process”).

Youth/Program Outcomes

• Bridges participants experience fun, happiness and enjoyment.
• School attendance and achievement among Bridges students are increased.
• High school graduation rates among Bridges students increase.
• Programs provide access to nutritious food, health services, nutrition education and exercise.
• Programs are safe places.
• School discipline improves among Bridges participants.
• Programs increase/maintain student leadership contributions.
• Programs improve participants’ social outcomes such as respect, caring, self-esteem, engagement in school, etc.

System/Community Outcomes

• Parents become more involved and engaged in Bridges activities.
• Community organizations and other community resources are fully engaged in supporting Bridges.

Job Postings

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