Key Bridge

Program Features
Contextualized
Curriculum
The Bridge Programs central
innovation is a contextualized,
career-focused curriculum. Students
develop literacy and numeracy skills
in the context of authentic materials
from one career area.

Increased Access
The Bridge Program is open to
students who test at or above a 7th
grade reading level. The part-time
model, with a choice between
morning and evening classes,
allows parents and working
students to attend class.

Managed
Enrollment
A three-step registration process
requires students to demonstrate an
upfront commitment to class.
Students attend class as a cohort
for 10 hours per week in a semester
-long model mirroring the demands
and time commitment of college.

Bridge Graduates Vinod Dowlani (2013), Chimey Palmo (2013), Modupe Marks
(2012) and Robert Morales (2012) are now enrolled in degree programs.

BRIDGE TO COLLEGE AND CAREERS PROGRAM

The Bridge to College and Careers Program at LaGuardia Community
College provides an educational and career pathway for adults and out-ofschool youth. Students prepare for the High School Equivalency exam and
the transition to college or postsecondary training.
Coursework covers topics in healthcare, science or business and develops
academic reading, writing and math skills in preparation for college and
employment in one of these three areas.

BRIDGE OUTCOMES

Comprehensive
Advisement
Using a team-based approach, the
Bridge Instructor and Transitions
Advisor work closely with students
to develop and monitor strategies
for overcoming academic and nonacademic barriers to success.
Students participate in college and
career workshops led by the
Advisor throughout the program,
preparing for their next steps after
earning the HSE diploma.
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Evidence-Based
Strategies
According to the
2013 MDRC study of
Bridge outcomes
cited here, Bridge
students are
significantly more
likely to stay in
class, twice as likely
to earn a high school
equivalency
credential and three
times as likely to
enroll in college in
comparison to their
peers in traditional
programs.

BRIDGE CURRICULUM DESIGN

Three Bridges to
Career and College
Each Bridge Program
focuses on a specific
career sector and
provides scaffolded
lessons, projects and
assignments that
develop the literacy,
numeracy and critical
thinking skills students
need to pass the High
School Equivalency
exam and succeed in
postsecondary
education.

Bridge to Health
Patient care
Epidemics
Nutrition
Infection control

Contextualized Math
Students explore and develop math skills in a sector-focused discipline.
When students in Bridge to Science study cellular transport, they calculate
the surface area to volume ratio of cells. Bridge to Business students
analyze cost sheets from a real business plan, calculating annual percent
growth and operating expenses.
Contextualized Literacy
Using nonfiction texts, students explore key questions in their field of
interest, such as the relationship between patients and healthcare providers,
medical ethics in stem-cell research, or the economics of supply and
demand. In Bridge to Health, students read about epidemics, end-of-life
decisions and patient case studies, developing knowledge in sector-specific
concepts and building academic skills based on the College and Career
Readiness Standards.

BRIDGE PROGRAM
STUDENTS:
WHO WE SERVE
Bridge students are a
diverse group with complex
needs:

Bridge to Science
Cells
Genetics
Scientific method
Evolution

Bridge to
Business
Economic
principles
Entrepreneurship
Professional ethics

Roughly 50 percent of
students are 26 years or
older.
More than half of students are parents.
45 percent of Bridge students are foreign-born.
More than half of the students are employed.
More than 50 percent of students receive some form of public assistance.
More than 50 percent of students enter the program reading at the 7th or
8th grade level.

Departmental Recognitions and Awards

2014 Literacy Recognition Award for Executive Director Amy Dalsimer,
Literacy Assistance Center, New York City
2013 Dr. James C. Hall Award for Exemplary Non-Credit Program,
Continuing Education Association of New York
2011 Exemplary Program Award for Amy Dalsimer and Christine Alvarez,
National Council for Continuing Education and Training

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