Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Cierra Riddle Awarded Scholarship

Bridges and Carolina Academy student Cierra Riddle was awarded the Coretta Scott King Dream Keeper Scholarship at the Martin Luther King Dream Weekend Diversity Banquet on Friday, January 18, 2008. The scholarship, worth $2,000 is awarded to a student who has a cumulative G.P.A. of 3.0 or greater and proof of outstanding community service in the Greenville Area.

The scholarship was awarded at a black-tie event held at the Hyatt in downtown Greenville. The crowd of over 900, praised Cierra as her outstanding achievements were read: 4.4 GPA, Engineering Academy, student body president, exceptional leader, and visionary. Cierra wrote about "modern day slavery" in her scholarship essay and accepted the award in true Cierra fashion, with humility and graciousness.

Cierra's mother Erika Riddle and grandmother, Judy Wright attended the event with her. Cierra has accepted the offer of admission to Furman University and was awarded a full financial aid package!

WE ARE SO PROUD OF CIERRA AND ALL OF THE BRIDGES STUDENTS!

Wednesday, January 09, 2008

Saturday College Continues!

In Fall 2006, Bridges to a Brighter Future expanded the summer program to include a year-round Saturday program called, "Saturday College." This important expansion was funded by The Jolley Foundation. Without their enthusiastic support, we would not have a formal year-round program for students!

We are very excited to report that The Jolley Foundation has funded another two year grant to provide Saturday College through 2010. The Bridges students applauded with great enthusiasm when we announced the continuation of Saturday College.

Saturday College has become a vital aspect of the Bridges students academic success and personal enrichment. Considering that students have sports, academic, and work commitments, the participation rate has been phenomenal. Eighty percent of students attended the first Saturday College in September and the first-year students (Lambda class) boast over 70% participation rate at the monthly program.

At Saturday college, students receive 1 1/2 hours of tutoring provided by Furman Teacher Fellows and Greenville Junior League members. Tutoring is provided in all academic areas. Students note that the tutoring in Saturday College has been a positive contributor to their academic success. In fact, at the November Saturday College, we had all of the students stand with three or more A's or B's on their report cards. Almost the entire room was standing!

Students also receive 1/2 hour academic or personal enrichment workshop. In November, students learned how to write thank you notes and in December they learned about the importance of exercise and exercises they could do at home from Zest Quest Coaches George Booth and David Hughes. We are so thankful to The Jolley Foundation for funding this valuable program!!