Bridges at Gilman

History of Bridges in Baltimore

In 1993, Bridges Baltimore was founded at St. Paul's School with the goal of making summer 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.

In the decades since then, 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.

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.

Volunteer Application for the Spring 2023 After-School Program

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BRIDGES AT GILMAN BY THE NUMBERS

36

The average number of students in Baltimore City Public Schools we work with each semester.

15

The average number of Upper School students that volunteer with our Summer Institute.

1,500+

The average number of volunteer hours our Summer Institute volunteers provide annually.

BRIDGES AT GILMAN INITIATIVES

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. Weekly field trips to local landmarks broaden students' awareness of the city and region.

Upper School students from Gilman, The Bryn Mawr School, 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 2018

Fourth and Fifth Grade After-School Program

Weekend Learning Adventures

The Bridges sixth graders participate 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 to help students develop new skills and self-confidence.

Annual 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

Bridges provides every family of fifth grade students with the information and advice they need to make the best choice for their child's middle school placement. We help families identify their student's learning style(s) and encourage them to focus on what school environment best suits their child.

Our six graders have gone on to several area middle schools, including but not limited to: Gilman School, Roland Park Middle School (Ingenuity), Mother Seton Academy, Mount Royal Middle School (Advanced Academics), Tunbridge Public Charter, and Immaculate Conception School.

MEET THE BRIDGES AT GILMAN TEAM

Our team is ready to help you with any questions you may have about getting involved with Bridges at Gilman!