During this year's Lower School Book Swap, 5,000+ books were collected. Of those, more than half were shared with the students who participate in Gilman's Bridges Program, or donated to Hilton Elementary School, Mt. Royal Elementary School, and the Maryland Book Bank. In this video, LS Librarian Faith Ward talks about the Book Swap and how it works.
Bridges at Gilman
About Bridges
In 1993, Bridges was founded at St. Paul’s School with the goal of making summer into a time of growth, rather than a time of regression for motivated, but underserved East Baltimore students. It started as a two-summer academic and cultural enrichment program for eighteen fourth and fifth grade students attending Coldstream Park Elementary, a Title I School in East Baltimore.Over the last 18 years, Bridges has evolved and expanded its program offering in an effort to ensure that the motivated young people that enter Bridges have the support and guidance necessary to become the young leaders our society needs.
Bridges at Gilman
Gilman opened its own site in 2014 and currently serves 36 public school students in grades 4-6. In addition to hosting a five-week summer institute, Gilman provides a year-round after-school program for fourth and fifth grade students from Yorkwood Elementary, Leith Walk Elementary, Govans Elementary, and Cecil Elementary Schools. Sixth graders participate in monthly Weekend Learning Adventures throughout the school year.
Programs
News
Third graders Sam N. and Charlie H. wanted to celebrate their birthdays with a joint party with friends, but felt that they had "enough stuff." The boys asked their friends to bring gifts for the students in the Bridges program at Gilman. Bridges features a five-week summer institute as well as year-round academic and social support for students from eight Title I Baltimore City schools. The "stuff" given to friends of Sam and Charlie included playground equipment, books and clothing. Recently the boys presented their party gifts to the Upper School volunteers for the program, who will share them with Bridges students.
Two notable Gilman alumni visited Bridges Summer Institute students. Cleveland Browns WR Darius Jennings '11 spoke about his path from Gilman to UVA and the NFL. St. Ignatius Loyola Academy's Director of Admissions J.V. Scott '97 shared key turning points in his life. Both men spoke about their desire to give back to their respective communities.
Serves 36 Baltimore City Public School Students
15 Gilman Upper School Students give 1,500 volunteer hours at the Summer Institute
Contact
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Bridges at Gilman staff.
410.323.3800
Ned Harris
Director, Bridges Program
ext. 745
nharris@gilman.edu