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WHO WE ARE


 
  


 
The "Model"
The Bridges to the Future partnership is an adaptive youth development model that reinforces fundamentals learned during the school day by providing fun and creative learning experiences after school.  Programming provides cultural, academic and recreational enrichment to youth and their families.  The enrichment provided by BTF is generally not available to the majority of the students through other avenues.  In addition, BTF provides support services, leadership & service learning opportunities, along with access to information and referrals for health & human services.  The BTF process is comprised of essential components that address the diverse needs of the entire Genesee County community (see components below).

“Healthy development is an ongoing process of meeting basic developmental needs through caring relationships, high expectation messages and opportunities for participation.” 
- Bonnie Benard

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.
Our Vision

Bridges to the Future envisions youth as leaders of tomorrow; Excited, Engaged and Empowered!

Our Mission
Bridges to the Future is committed to meeting the needs of youth and their families by providing fun, safe, quality programming during non-school hours.
Our Goal
Meet the developmental needs of youth; build core assets and competencies that will ensure successful participation in adolescent and adult life.
Our Strategies

Countywide, Bridges is guided by a community-based steering committee.

Long-term sustainability will only be achieved through the blending of government, public, and private funding.

True collaboration is required of the partner organizations maintaining the Bridges model.
Essential Components
  1. Youth development will be the main focus: utilizing youth input for program design, selection, and implementation.
  2. Youth development activities will be positive in nature and build upon student strengths, utilizing the Search Institute’s 40 Developmental Assets.1
  3. Youth development services and activities will be provided in a physically and emotionally safe environment.
  4. Leadership skills will be fostered through multiple experiences including:  program development, leadership training classes, youth advisory council participation, and service learning activities.
  5. Sites will strive to have consistent adult leaders who will nurture supportive and positive relationships with students and families.
  6. Program activities will be based on the 8 program strategies:  arts & culture, fitness & nutrition, language arts, life skills, math, science, social studies, and YAC.  These program strategies will impact the 5 outcome areas:  Child Socio-Emotional Development, Child Physical Development, Child Cognitive Development, Parenting/Home Environment, Community and School Environment.
  7. Each Bridges’ site should strive for mutually beneficial relationships with the neighborhood and/or community.
  8. Bridges’ sites will participate in an annual evaluation of the Bridges model.
1 Search Institute, Minneapolis, MN. © Search Institute 2000. www.search-institute.org.