Bridges at Gilman
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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
- Summer Institute
- Fourth and Fifth Grade After-School Program
- Weekend Learning Adventures
- Middle School Guidance
Summer Institute
Every Bridges student participates in the five-week Summer Institute on the Gilman campus, an intensive academic and social enrichment program that emphasizes study skills, athletic participation, and character development. Master teachers from local private and public schools conduct challenging classes in reading, writing, math, and art, and weekly field trips to local landmarks broaden students' awareness of the city and region. Upper School students from Gilman, Bryn Mawr, and Roland Park Country Schools serve as Bridges volunteers by providing classroom support for Summer Institute teachers and valuable assistance for our Head Counselors. Over the past two summers, 32 independent school students have invested a total of over 3,000 volunteer hours. The relationships built between Bridges students and high school volunteers form the social backbone of the program.
Scenes from Summer Institute
Fourth and Fifth Grade After-School Program
From September through April, each of the Bridges elementary school students participates in an after-school program on one day per week. Sessions held on the Gilman campus are led by a master teacher and matches each Bridges student with a high school volunteer. The after-school program features read-aloud sessions, playground games, and one-on-one homework support.
Weekend Learning Adventures
The Bridges sixth graders take part in a series of monthly weekend activities designed to provide students with new and challenging experiences that expand their field of vision. Adult mentors and high school volunteers lead these activities that help students develop new skills and develop self-confidence. This year's activities include camping trips, science and nature study, a theater workshop, ice skating, college campus tours, rock climbing, and inspirational guest speakers.
Middle School Guidance
Contact
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Bridges at Gilman staff.News
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Serves 36 Baltimore City Public School Students
15
Gilman Upper School Students give
1,500
volunteer hours at the Summer Institute