Bridge Builders Foundation (BBF), a 501c3 non-profit, is a “community influencers” that currently serves over 500 youth of color annually through one of three Dedicated Programs (STEM, Mentor, and Scholars) and and underrepresented communities within Greater Los Angeles through their targeted initiatives on healthcare awareness and financial literacy.
BBF is a social impact organization leveraging relationships of its network of communitybased organizations and stakeholders to strengthen the capacity of smaller grassroots organizations.
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Bridge Builders partners with Monterey Aquarium, CSU Monterey, and Stanford to Launch 3rd Summer Camp
In August 2024, the Bridge Builders Foundation hosted three transformative residential camps, providing about 100 students with an unparalleled opportunity to immerse themselves in marine science. These camps were made possible through partnerships with world-class marine science venues and universities, and they offered students hands-on learning and exposure to cutting-edge research.
The first leg of the journey began at California State University Monterey Bay, where students spent five days engaged in intensive study. Instruction was led by experts from MBARI (Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute), Stanford’s Hopkins Institute, and UC Santa Cruz, offering students a deep dive into marine biology and environmental science.
The second leg took the students to UC San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography for another five-day stay. Here, they participated in research projects alongside some of the world’s leading marine scientists, broadening their understanding of ocean ecosystems and conservation efforts. The final leg of the program brought the students to the USC Wrigley Marine Science Center for a three-day, two-night stay. During this time, students received specialized instruction, including two weekends focused on white sharks, led by experts from California State University Long Beach (CSULB).
In total, the students benefitted from 17 days of comprehensive marine science instruction, 13 of which were residential. The program was coordinated and directed by the esteemed Dr. Dijanna Figueroa, a renowned African American marine biologist. Dr. Figueroa’s leadership not only ensured that students learned from world-renowned researchers but also empowered them to envision their own futures as scientists and environmental leaders, inspiring them to reach for their full potential.
Bridge Builders Joins Ready to Rise (R2R) Phase II as Alumni Mentor
On July 12, 2024, Bridge Builders Foundation (BBF) was honored to join over 40 community leaders as part of the Ready to Rise (R2R) Phase II Alumni. This initiative, hosted by the California Community Foundation, aims to mentor incoming grantees and further the mission of fostering positive youth development.
As a previous recipient of the R2R Phase I grant, BBF is now able to share its invaluable expertise and lessons learned with the new cohort of grantees. The R2R program is a groundbreaking LA County publicprivate partnership that integrates cultural responsiveness, positive youth development, and holistic services into the juvenile justice system.
One of BBF’s flagship initiatives, Thrive Under the Influence, was relaunched under the R2R Phase I grant. Initially a school-based mentoring program, TUTI has since expanded countywide, meeting both on campus and after school for students attending charter or alternative schools. This program exemplifies BBF’s commitment to nurturing today’s youth into tomorrow’s leaders through comprehensive youth development programs.
As an organizational mentor in the R2R Phase II program, BBF will be pivotal in guiding and supporting new grantees by sharing the best practices and strategies developed through TUTI and other initiatives.
BBF Elevates Youth Voices at First Youth Ambassador Advisory Council Meeting
The Bridge Builders Foundation (BBF) recently hosted its Elevate Youth California Youth Listening Session, bringing together young people to share their experiences, goals, and ideas. This event marked the launch of BBF’s Youth Ambassador Advisory Council, empowering youth to shape the future direction of programs.
Youth participants shared personal stories, built connections with peers, and began advising on program development. Their discussions centered on creating initiatives resonating with their cultural backgrounds and lived experiences.
“We value our young people’s unique perspectives and experiences,” said Jamecca Marshall, Bridge Builders’ Deputy Executive Director. “Their input will help us create programs that truly matter to them.”
Josh Abrams, a college graduate and former BBF program participant now working at BBF, emphasized: “Allowing youth to express themselves and shape the programs designed for us is so important to our growth and leadership development.”
The event exemplified BBF’s commitment to empowering young people through culturally responsive and youthcentered practices. By amplifying their voices, BBF ensures its programs remain grounded in diverse communities’ real experiences and needs.
Bridge Builders Foundation Launches New Saturday Mentoring Program
The Bridge Builders Foundation is excited to announce the launch of its new Saturday Mentoring Program, which began on October 5, 2024. This program expands the Foundation’s successful school-based model by offering 6th-12th grade students from across Los Angeles County access to an engaging, evidence-based curriculum, regardless of school affiliation.
With over 20 years of experience in youth development, the program covers topics such as civic engagement, financial literacy, digital literacy, career exploration, public speaking, and African American arts and culture.
Students will also participate in field trips, group activities, and projectbased competitions with exciting prizes, fostering personal growth and achievement.
The program meets year-round on the 1st and 2nd Saturday of each month at the Foundation headquarters, providing a safe, supportive space for youth to develop life skills, explore opportunities, and build connections.
Interested students are encouraged to apply at www.bridgebuildersla.org/ mentoring-black-boys/
The Value of Volunteerism
Volunteerism is vital to youth leadership, mentoring, and development programs, offering young people invaluable guidance and inspiration. Volunteerism plays a key role at Bridge Builders Foundation (BBF), with over 75 dedicated volunteers donating more than 5,000 hours annually.
The current volunteer rate in California is $36 per hour, translating into over $180,000 in contributed service, demonstrating the immense value volunteers bring to the foundation. This is not just a number but a testament to the impact we are making on the lives of our youth. BBF’s volunteers come from various industries, including architecture, engineering, business, law, finance, law enforcement, and clergy. Their expertise provides youth with critical insights into professional success and personal growth, extending guidance beyond what is learned in classrooms. These mentors open doors to career opportunities, internships, and life experiences that might otherwise be inaccessible.
As Alvin Trotter, Jr., a BBF Board Member and Sr. Director in the construction industry, notes, ”Volunteerism is a direct way to create change and impact the lives of our youth.” BBF also incorporates college students as near-peer mentors, a strategy that fosters a multilayered engagement environment and gives us hope for the future. These younger mentors bridge the gap between youth and seasoned professionals, offering relatable guidance while providing support that is closer to the lived experiences of younger mentees.
This layered approach ensures BBF’s youth have access to mentors at various stages of their careers, contributing diverse perspectives and fostering deeper connections. Additionally, the social capital shared by BBF’s volunteers is invaluable. Beyond mentoring, they provide youth access to career paths and internships, leveraging their networks to offer young people the tools, knowledge, and connections needed for lasting success. This illustrates the profound impact of volunteerism on building brighter futures for youth.
PRESIDENT’S Corner
I am filled with pride and gratitude for the remarkable progress we’ve achieved together. Through strategic partnerships with businesses, academic institutions, and fellow nonprofits, we have expanded our programs and deepened our impact within the community. From hiring new team members to increasing our outof-school programming by over 60%, these milestones represent our ongoing commitment to empowering the next generation and building a foundation for long-term success.
As we look toward the future, it’s clear that we are on the cusp of even greater opportunities. The road ahead will require the same resilience and determination that have brought us this far, but I am confident that together we can continue to break barriers and achieve extraordinary things. Let’s keep pushing forward, knowing that our collective efforts are paving the way for a brighter future for our youth and our community. Thank you for your unwavering dedication and support.
