Our Mission
BridgeYear connects underserved youth to careers and educational pathways that provide economic stability and independence. By focusing on underserved youth from low-income communities, BridgeYear is working to ensure all students graduate high school with a path to gainful employment and are aware of the myriad of successful careers that don’t require a college degree.
Our Vision
Our vision is for all students to graduate high school with a path to stable employment. The greatest barrier to this goal? Students don’t know all their options and how to obtain them.
Our Theory of Change
BridgeYear’s programs puts students on a path to achieve economic mobility. We equip students with essential knowledge about high-paying and in-demand career opportunities, instill belief in their potential, and provide access to training and educational programs crucial for launching a successful career.
By partnering with employers, career education programs, and community college programs to connect students to pathways requiring less than a four-year degree, we work to ensure that students’ socioeconomic backgrounds do not limit their financial goals.
KNOWLEDGE
We equip students and educators with knowledge about diverse career pathways that require less than a four-year degree, enabling students to make informed decisions about their future and pursue their desired career paths.
BELIEF
We instill confidence in students by highlighting the value and potential of non-traditional career options and empowering students to pursue paths aligned with their interests and broader life goals through hands-on experiences.
ACCESS
We collaborate with workforce training programs, community colleges, and corporations to ensure students have access to resources, support, and pathways for their chosen careers. We reduce barriers for students in underserved communities to access affordable and accessible training programs in the Houston area.
BridgeYear's Philosophy
Our vision is for all students to graduate high school with a path to gainful employment. However, many assume the only path to success requires a four-year college degree.
BridgeYear exposes students to the numerous career pathways that require less than a four-year degree. We fundamentally believe there is no “one size fits all” approach to education and that multiple options must be made available for students to make informed decisions about their futures. There are many paths to success, we help students discover them.
Student-Driven
We provide valuable tools, resources, and opportunities that empower educators to foster their students’ growth and exploration. Our renowned Career Test Drive® Program brings exciting and diverse career exploration directly to schools, igniting students’ curiosity and helping them discover new possibilities. Career Accelerators enable students to gain essential skills, enhancing their employability and preparing them for rewarding careers.
Employer-Informed
BridgeYear uses workforce data and direct partnerships with employers to expose youth to in-demand careers. These employer partnerships allow us to promote careers and opportunities in the highest demand so youth are prepared to meet the demands of today’s labor market. Together, we are tackling the middle-skills gap and empowering students to pursue meaningful careers while meeting the needs of the ever-evolving job market.
Non-Four-Year Pathways
Students should be empowered to make their own decisions. Our MorePathways website and Certification Cohort Program provide students with the tools and resources they need to overcome barriers and access vetted training programs, paving the way to successful career pathways. We are committed to supporting students in shaping their own futures and pursuing paths that align with their unique interests and goals.
Our Commitment to Equity and Inclusion
We are dedicated to building an organization that embraces and celebrates diversity in all its forms. We actively seek and value perspectives, experiences, and identities that contribute to the richness of our team and the communities we serve.
We are committed to providing equal access to opportunities and resources, recognizing that every individual has unique strengths and potential. By empowering students in their pursuit of post-high school careers and educational pathways, we aim to help them achieve independence and economic stability.
