BRIDGES >> Extending Across Maryland 20 Years Later

Bridges at Gilman opened its doors in the summer of 2014 with 24 4th and 5th grade Baltimore City public school boys and girls and 12 upper school volunteers from Gilman and Bryn Mawr. The Summer Institute lasts for five weeks and includes morning academic classes, afternoon art and P.E. classes, guest speakers, and weekly field trips.

The Bridges After-School Program runs during each of the three athletic seasons throughout the school year from 3:00 to 5:00 on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons. Upper School students provide one-on-one academic and social support to the elementary school students.

Dr. Harris, who teaches History at Gilman, developed the Bridges program with help from St. Paul's School for Boys, which has had a Bridges program since 1993. Dr. Harris is deeply committed to serving motivated Baltimore City school children in order to provide them with access to opportunities and resources that would otherwise be out of reach. He also believes that Bridges provides life-changing opportunities for Upper School volunteers to hone their interpersonal skills and support the academic and emotional development of deserving young students.

Dr. Harris noted that "independent schools like Gilman have so many resources at their disposal, especially in comparison to the Title I schools where the Bridges students come from. It just makes sense for us to share some of what we have with fellow Baltimore students who are less fortunate."

Bryn Mawr students have had the privilege to be volunteers, and interact with the Bridges students, some who have volunteered for a season or two or even the whole year! Lizzy Kilby who has been part of Bridges since the summer of 2014, and has seen these boys and girls grow up over the past 2 years in their studies and social interactions.

"I have really developed a deep connection with all of the kids I've worked with. I honestly could not imagine my life without any of the students. As I'm trying to make on impact on their lives they are constantly making one of mine", says Lizzy.

Bryn Mawr is proud to be part of an organization that supports these younger students, and is delighted that the Upper School volunteers get to be involved and understand their impact.

For those intereted in applying for the Bridges program, click here, or feel free to get in contact with kilbyl@brynmawrschool.org or patels@brynmawrschool.org