2025–2026
Annual Report
10 Years of Opening Doors
The Future of Houston’s Workforce
Other
BridgeYear Programs
About
Table of Contents 02
Staff & Board of Directors
03
Executive Director Letter
04
Our 10 Year Story
05
By the Numbers
06
Strategic Plan: Year 2
07
Career Test Drive® Program
08
Postsecondary Pathways Conference
09
MorePathways®
10
Essential Soft Skills for Success (ES3)
11
Certification & Associate Degree Career Cohorts
12
Earn-and-Learn Career Cohorts
13
Our Supporters
14
Our Financial Summary
15
Our Regional Ecosystem
Table of Contents | 01
2025–2026 Staff & Board of Directors Staff
Board of Directors Kathryn Biron Bank of America | Board Member Bryant Black Black Arrow Group | Past Board President
Angel Castillo
Career Navigation Fellow
Victoria Chen
Executive Director & Co-Founder
Geraldine Denasty Career Exploration Program Manager
Allena Grant
Manager of Special Projects
Vanessa Grover
Managing Director of Program Innovation
Victoria Chen BridgeYear | Co-Founder & Executive Director Kate Dearing Fowler The Jerry C. Dearing Family Foundation | Board President Victoria Doan ExxonMobil Foundation | Co-Founder & Secretary
Angy Hernandez Materials Coordinator
Ana Lewis
Career Exploration Program Coordinator
Carlee Morgan Chief Operating Officer
Fabeah Newton Chief Program Officer
Tanita Patton
Director of MorePathways®
Veronica Frederick Retired | Board Member Dawn Hawley Retired | Founding Board President Michelle Hilger Phillips 66 | Board Member
Evelyn Prado
Director of Student Experience
Imani Raglin Operations Manager
Alex Reisinger
Career Navigation Program Manager
Hugo Rivera Career Build Manager
Tyler Rogers
Career Exploration Program Coordinator
Joe Martin PNC Institutional Asset | Board Member & Treasurer Vanessa Ramirez BakerRipley | Board Member Sally Thayer AxisCare Home Case Software | Board Member
Gustavo Sanchez Career Navigation Coordinator
Avery Suber Development Manager
Anh Tran
MorePathways® Fellow
Kimberly To
Jocelyne Treviño
Communications Senior Communications Fellow Manager
Staff & Board Directory | 02
Letter from the Executive Director Dear BridgeYear Community, Ten years ago, BridgeYear began with one belief: every young person deserves access to a living wage, regardless of GPA, zip code, or background. We started by helping students discover high-growth careers that don’t require a four-year degree. Since then, our work has evolved from a single student program into critical workforce infrastructure for Houston’s schools and employers. We learned that opening a door is only the beginning. Today, we reach over 17,000 young people each year with the guidance and hands-on experience to step confidently into their futures. This past year marked a historic chapter in our journey. At our 10th Anniversary Luncheon, proudly presented by long-standing partners, The Friedkin Group and Gulf States Toyota, we celebrated a decade of growth. We also spotlighted the model that will define our next decade: earn-and-learn programs. These programs give graduates a paid, supported path into a high-growth career while helping employers build a reliable, local talent pipeline. Yet many employers struggle to manage the recruitment, logistics, and ongoing support these initiatives require. BridgeYear is ready to carry that weight, turning a complex hiring process into a seamless talent pipeline. This work points toward a bigger vision: a Houston where schools, training providers, and employers operate as one connected system. When they do, employers gain steady access to skilled talent, and the equity gaps holding young adults back begin to close. The result is greater economic mobility for families, a stronger workforce, and a more competitive Houston economy. Behind every metric in this report is a Houston student who now sees a clear path forward and has the support to get there. Your partnership makes that possible. Thank you for building these pathways with us over the last decade. We can’t wait to build what comes next with you.
With gratitude,
Victoria Chen
Victoria Chen Executive Director & Co-Founder
Executive Director Letter | 03
Our 10 Year Story Since BridgeYear’s founding in 2016, our mission has been to ensure Houston’s youth graduate with a clear, supported path to economic mobility. Over our first decade, we focused on hands-on career exploration, showing students that a traditional fouryear degree isn't the only way to earn a familysustaining wage. As our model evolved, we realized students needed more than just a glimpse of what's possible; they needed help navigating the jump from high school to what comes next. Today, BridgeYear brings together school districts, community colleges, and regional employers to clear those hurdles. We help Houston’s youth bypass underemployment and step directly into high-value training programs, associate degrees, and earn-andlearn opportunities. Explore a decade of impact and see how we are building the blueprint for the next 10 years.
2022 BridgeYear launches the platform MorePathways®, a student-friendly online directory connecting 50,900+ unique annual users to BridgeYear-vetted, low-cost training programs in Houston.
2018 BridgeYear introduces the Career Test Drive® (CTD) Program, bringing real-world, hands-on career simulations directly into schools. The program scaled rapidly, activating 16,000+ youth annually across Title 1 schools as of 2026.
2023 BridgeYear establishes the Career Cohorts Program, moving beyond initial exposure to directly manage student enrollment, milestone tracking, and credential completion in high-demand technical fields.
2025 BridgeYear pioneers its first Earn-andLearn Program, co-designing a Registered Apprenticeship pipeline alongside Gulf States Toyota and Houston City College to prove a new model for regional workforce development.
2016
2026
BridgeYear launches in Houston, Texas, establishing a studentcentered model designed to help underserved youth navigate, enroll in, and successfully persist through regional community college systems.
BridgeYear expands its Earn-and-Learn model into healthcare with Houston Methodist, launching a Sterile Processing Technician pathway while continuing to grow its Automotive Technician track with Gulf States Toyota. Our 10 Year Story | 04
By the Numbers Students
Partnerships
16,763
Employers
Total youth served through BridgeYear’s Career Test Drive® Fair in FY 2025-26
233
Districts
Schools
14
16
83%
87%
94%
of our students are economically disadvantaged
of our students identify as Black or Hispanic/Latino
of schools served are considered Title 1 schools
Total employers partnered with BridgeYear in FY 2025-26
Total unique school districts served across Greater Houston in FY 2025-26
69
Total middle and high schools partnered with BridgeYear in FY 2025-26
Total high school seniors served through our soft skills workshops in FY 2025-26
85
Total recent high school graduates who enrolled in a Career Cohort in FY 2025-26
By the Numbers | 05
Strategic Plan: Year 2 Pillar 1: Broaden Reach
Pillar 2: Break Down Barriers Actual
11,999 Reach
2024–25
Goal
16,763 Reach
2025–26
0
5K
10K
15K
150 Goal
2026–27 20K
BridgeYear reached 16,763 youth at CTD Fairs in 2025–2026, surpassing our 12,250 target.
Goal
85 Reach
2025–26
20,000 Goal
2026–27
Actual
67 Reach
2024–25
0
50
100
150
200
BridgeYear enrolled 85 high school graduates in a Career Cohort, exceeding our 75 target.
In Year 1, we built the backend systems, tools, and processes needed to support our growth. Year 2 was about putting that groundwork to work. Over the past school year, BridgeYear refined day-to-day operations, expanded student reach, and strengthened our connections across Greater Houston with local employers, short-term training programs, community colleges, and school districts, exceeding our strategic goals across all four pillar areas.
Looking Ahead Pillar 3: Leverage MorePathways® Actual
34,800 Users
2024–25
Goal
50,900 Users
2025–26
52,000 Goal
2026–27 0
10K
20K
30K
40K
50K
60K
BridgeYear reached 50,900 unique users on MorePathways®, surpassing our 40,000 target.
Pillar 4: Strengthen Infrastructure
Fundraising Cost per Dollar
$0.08
BridgeYear maintained low fundraising costs while supporting program growth.
With strong systems and regional partnerships in place, Year 3 focuses on deepening our roots in Greater Houston. As we enter the final year of our strategic plan, we are cementing long-term sustainability, ensuring every student receives the wraparound support, employer connections, and advising needed to launch a family-sustaining career.
Strategic Plan: Year 2 | 06
Turning Career Curiosity into Confidence
Career Test Drive® Program Belief in a better future starts with exposure. BridgeYear's Career Test Drive® (CTD) Fairs transform school gyms into workforce laboratories where students try real industry tasks like wiring circuits or prepping surgical instruments. Developed alongside industry partners and training providers, these hands-on simulations bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world careers, giving Houston youth a realistic preview of high-demand local opportunities before graduation.
BridgeYear’s opportunities are amazing for our students... The program provides exposure to different careers that many of our students would never otherwise have the opportunity to learn about. Experiences like these help expand their understanding of what’s possible for their future and connect them to pathways that can lead to greater economic mobility.” — Chatney Hines College & Career Counselor Kempner High School
Career Test Drive® Program | 07
What is the Impact?
94% 75% 71%
of students said the simulations helped them demystify day-to-day workplace responsibilities in high-demand fields. of students believe one or more of the presented careers will allow them to reach financial stability of students opted in to map out postsecondary pathways for the specific career they test-drove.
Expansion In 2025-2026, BridgeYear launched 3 new in-demand career simulations to meet regional workforce needs: Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) HVAC Technician Radiologic Technologist
Making the Connection in Career-Connected Learning
Postsecondary Pathways Conference Equipping advisors and educators with real-time labor market insights builds a strong support system right on campus. Keeping up with fast-changing industry trends and non-four-year degree pathways is a constant challenge for educators guiding hundreds of students each year. Presented by ConocoPhillips alongside the Greater Houston Partnership and Good Reason Houston, BridgeYear’s 6th Annual Postsecondary Pathways Conference (PPC) connected school counselors, advisors, and district leaders directly with local employers and training providers, giving them the actionable insights needed to guide Houston youth toward long-term economic mobility.
You can feel how tuned-in [PPC] is to what Houston youth actually need—not just theory, but real, practical support. Every year it seems to get sharper, more relevant, and more impactful. Love seeing a conference grow with the community.” — Bart Thomeer PPC 2026 Attendee
Inside the 2026 Conference Behind-the-Scenes Tours
On-site facility visits at CenterPoint Energy.
Earn-and-Learn & Training Program Spotlights
Direct engagement with Sterling McCall Toyota, Texas Technical Trade School, Memorial Assistance Ministries, and Marvy Finger Family Foundation.
Live Program Demonstrations
Hands-on experience with BridgeYear’s Career Test Drive® simulations.
What is the Impact?
245
school counselors, district leaders, and advisors attended PPC 2026.
93%
of attendees expanded their knowledge of the regional economy after PPC.
91%
of attendees gained an understanding of the specific skills local employers seek.
Postsecondary Pathways Conference | 08
Guiding Youth to Vetted Career Pathways
MorePathways®
Exploring postsecondary options can quickly become overwhelming without a clear, step-by-step roadmap. MorePathways®, powered by BridgeYear, simplifies that journey by helping Houston youth turn initial career curiosity into a concrete plan. Immediately after attending a Career Test Drive® (CTD) Fair, high school seniors can build a profile to explore local, vetted training programs for their target careers. The platform also serves as a practical tool for school counselors during one-on-one advising, helping students compare costs, track application steps, and stay on course after graduation. By connecting the hands-on experiences at CTD Fairs directly to program enrollment, MorePathways® gives students and advisors a shared system to navigate what comes next.
UX/UI Redesign Launch This year, BridgeYear rolled out a comprehensive redesign of MorePathways® to make discovering and applying to local training programs faster and more mobile-friendly for users!
High-Value Training Standards Every program on MorePathways® is vetted against four pillars: 1. Requires two years or less of postsecondary training 2. Trains for a role that pays a verified livable entry wage 3. Delivers an industry-recognized, transferable credential 4. Remains free or low-cost for the participant
MorePathways® | 09
What is the Impact?
73% 72% 120
of opted-in unique users who viewed a profile creation opportunity, completed their MorePathways® account setup. of opted-in unique users who signed into their MorePathways® account clicked “Apply” to a training program. training programs were viewed by optedin unique users, with an average time on site of 5.5 minutes.
Preparing Seniors to Step Into the Professional World
Essential Soft Skills for Success (ES3) Technical interest gets students in the door, but knowing how to market themselves is what lands the job. Local business leaders consistently share that entry-level candidates struggle most with navigating hiring processes, articulating their strengths, and understanding corporate expectations. BridgeYear’s Essential Soft Skills for Success (ES3s) bridge this gap by bringing graduating high school seniors directly into corporate environments. BridgeYear leads hands-on workshops on resume building and workplace communication, culminating in 1-on-1 mock interviews with corporate volunteers who give seniors the practical feedback needed to present themselves professionally.
Partnering with BridgeYear was an incredibly rewarding experience for both our employees and the students. Their team created a seamless, wellorganized program that helped students build confidence and interview skills while giving our employees a meaningful way to support the next generation of talent.”
What is the Impact?
97%
of students reported gaining a stronger understanding of how to craft a well-written, professional resume.
97%
of students reported increased confidence going into interviews after participating in a mock interview.
93%
of students discovered new non-four-year degree postsecondary pathways after attending an ES3 event.
Host Sites
— Nadia Nubani Honeywell Technologies
Essential Soft Skills for Success (ES3) | 10
Completing Industry-Recognized Credentials
Certification & Associate Degree Career Cohorts
Making the jump into postsecondary technical training is where many young Houstonians get stuck. Complex admissions, hidden costs, and a lack of clear guidance mean far too many youth fall off track before classes even begin. BridgeYear’s Career Cohorts bridge this gap by connecting students directly to vetted short-term training programs, including Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Sterile Processing Technician, Electrician, HVAC, IT Support, Welding, and Pharmacy Technician. This year, we expanded our offerings to include a two-year Associate degree track in Biomanufacturing through Houston City College.
I didn't even know this opportunity was available until BridgeYear hosted a Career Test Drive® Fair at my high school. Speaking with them helped me realize this was a real career path I could build on after graduation. Through training, I gained hands-on skills such as troubleshooting electrical systems and bending conduit, while BridgeYear provided support with transportation, food, and tools so we could complete our training. We also earned certifications like CPR and OSHA 10. Having BridgeYear’s help with job interviews and employer connections gives me the confidence to enter the workforce and master my craft as an electrician.” — Elias C. Electrician Technician Cohort Texas Technical Trade School Certification & Associate’s Degree Career Cohorts | 11
BridgeYear manages enrollment from start to finish, guiding youth through applications, financial aid, and onboarding. Once training begins, BridgeYear stays by the student’s side with one-on-one advising, study groups, and wraparound support, ensuring students earn debt-free, living-wage credentials while Houston employers gain job-ready local talent.
What is the Impact?
68 62 96%
Recent Houston high school graduates enrolled in a shortterm workforce training or Associate degree pathway. Enrollees have either completed or are currently enrolled in their training program of choice. of Career Cohort participants felt fully prepared for their chosen field and clear on what to expect on the job.
Our Blueprint
Application & Financial Support
Navigating every step from start to finish.
Wraparound Support
Access to tools, transportation, food, etc.
BridgeYear Dedicated Advising Ensures persistence and completion.
Training Partners
Bridging Employers and Future Talent
Earn-and-Learn Career Cohorts Earn-and-learn programs offer an ideal path to a career, but local employers often struggle with administrative burdens and early turnover. BridgeYear handles the heavy lifting for corporate partners by recruiting candidates, screening applicants, and coordinating interviews for hiring managers. Working alongside industry leaders, BridgeYear customizes program models around specific employer needs, skill competencies, and credential requirements. Before stepping onto a job site, BridgeYear leads a summer pre-employment program for recent graduates to build professional communication skills, financial literacy, and workplace readiness. BridgeYear stays connected throughout the program, providing academic and emergency support to help candidates stay on the job and succeed long term.
What is the Impact?
17
High school graduates completed BridgeYear’s summer pre-employment workforce training.
94%
Of candidates placed into paid earn-and-learn roles across 7 local employer sites.
91%
Retention rate for firstyear apprentices, reducing costs associated with high turnover.
Our Blueprint Employer Recruitment
We handle recruitment, screening, and interview slates for hiring managers.
Paid Work-Based Learning
Young adults earn wages starting Day 1 while completing technical education.
BridgeYear Dedicated Advising Workforce-readiness coaching, mock interviews, and wraparound support.
2026 Model Expansion Sterile Processing Technician
Automotive Technician
Before BridgeYear, I wasn’t sure what to do after high school, but my BridgeYear advisor quickly became my main support system with weekly check-ins and support whenever unexpected things came up. During career prep, I learned how to use the STAR method and maintain eye contact, so by the time I interviewed before six professionals, I remembered what I practiced and succeeded. Today, I’m working as a Sterile Processing Technician at Houston Methodist while taking classes at Houston City College, gaining hands-on experience and earning money while building a real career.” — Aaliyah Baptiste Sterile Processing Technician (SPT) at Houston Methodist Earn-and-Learn Career Cohorts
| 12
Our 2025-26 Generous Supporters We are grateful to every individual, family, and organization that supports BridgeYear. Every gift, at every level, helps students access meaningful career pathways and build lasting opportunities.
$250,000+
Anonymous ExxonMobil The Friedkin Group / Gulf States Toyota General Motors Jerry C. Dearing Family Foundation Sarofim Foundation
$100,000 to $249,999
ConocoPhillips Greater Houston Community Foundation Houston Methodist Marvy Finger Family Foundation Phillips 66
$50,000 to $99,999
Alliance of Community Assistance Ministries Bank of America Charitable Foundation H-E-B Honeywell Memorial Hermann Health Systems TeriAnn Mahony-Miller The William Stamps Farish Fund
$25,000 to $49,999
Bob Edwards and Melanie Trent Bradley and Kimberly Dennison The Clayton Fund, Inc. CenterPoint Energy Foundation The Elkins Foundation Janet Clark John and Carolyn Johnson Karen Arnold Randa and K.C. Weiner Our Generous Supporters | 13
Samuels Family Foundation Tony and Stephanie Duran United Way of Greater Houston
Vivian L. Smith Foundation The Whalley Foundation William and Lenore Burke
$10,000 to $24,999
$5,000 to $9,999
Albert & Ethel Herzstein Charitable Foundation Amanda and Dan Pickering Bob and Annie Graham Capital One Carrin Patman and Jim Derrick Dawn and Robert Hawley Deb and Mark Gregg EQT Foundation Fred and Mabel R. Parks Foundation Good Reason Houston Group 1 Automotive Halliburton Charitable Foundation Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Jack H. and William M. Light Charitable Trust Jerry C. Dearing Jill and Dunham Jewett Kate and Steve Fowler KCRCW Foundation Kimberly Sterling/Sterling for Good Laura and John Arnold The Medallion Foundation, Inc. Michael & Rebecca Cemo Foundation Michelle Hilger Posey-Glickert Foundation River and Pines Fund Sis Johnson Spindletop Community Impact Partners, Inc. Stephanie Langenstein The Sun Family Valero Energy Foundation
Always Do Good Fund Anonymous Anne Whitlock and Michael Skelly The Biron Family Cullen Geiselman Cyvia and Melvyn Wolff Foundation Dovetail Impact Foundation Edward Finger Elaine Finger George and Mary Josephine Hamman Foundation The Harry S. & Isabel C. Cameron Foundation Jobs for the Future Joe and Bri Martin Joy and Paul Posoli Leslie A. Schmidt Patricia Bryant Melcher PNC Sally and Ed Thayer Selman Family Foundation Stan Marek Susan Bailey-Newell and James Newell Texas AirSystems The Tapeats Fund Vanessa Ramirez Veronica Frederick Victoria Chen and Victoria Doan Virginia Clark
Our Financial Summary BridgeYear believes that opening doors to family-sustaining careers should never create a financial burden for young adults. We built a model that ensures every program, tool, and coaching session remains free for the students we serve. As BridgeYear’s mission and presence continue to expand, so does our capacity to drive long-term economic mobility across local communities. To keep these opportunities accessible, our long-term success relies on shared investment from corporate partners, foundations, and individual donors who believe in building a homegrown Houston workforce.
Revenue
Operational Expenses
as of June 30, 2026
as of June 30, 2026
Other Income 4%
Government 1%
Service Fees 4%
Fundraising 8% Management & General 20% BridgeYear Programs 72%
Individual 15% Corporate 43%
Foundation 33%
Our Financial Summary | 14
Our Regional Ecosystem Over the last decade, BridgeYear has reimagined how Houston students discover and pursue their futures by opening doors to high-growth, in-demand careers without the barrier of a four-year degree. By partnering with school districts, leading employers, and training providers, BridgeYear serves as a central connector in Greater Houston, bringing hands-on career exploration directly to campuses while helping regional employers build reliable early-talent pipelines that lead toward long-term economic mobility.
Corporate & Industry Partners
Education & Community Partners
Since 2016
Since 2016 AAMA Charter Schools Aldine ISD Alief ISD Bay City ISD Brazosport ISD Capital IDEA Channelview ISD Clear Creek ISD Columbia Brazoria ISD Conroe ISD Crosby ISD Cypress-Fairbanks ISD Deer Park ISD El Campo ISD Fort Bend ISD Goose Creek Consolidated ISD Harmony Public Schools Houston City College Houston ISD Katy ISD KIPP Texas Public Schools Klein ISD La Porte ISD Memorial Assistance Ministries Pasadena ISD Per Scholas
Our Regional Ecosystem | 15
Pro-Vision Academy Region 4 Education Service Center Royal ISD Royalty Welding Academy San Jacinto College SER Jobs Southwest Public Schools Spring Branch ISD Spring ISD Stafford Municipal School District Texas Can Academies Texas Technical Trade School The Alliance The Lawson Academy The Training Center of Air Conditioning and Heating TRIO Electric Uncharted Territory Solutions University of Houston University of Houston Downtown Urban Enrichment Institute Wesley Community Center West Orem Family YMCA Wharton ISD YES Prep Public Schools Yoakum ISD
After ten years of impact, we are just getting started. Together, we’re building the infrastructure for a more connected Houston where every student has a clear pathway to a living wage career, and every employer has access to local talent.
Building Houston’s Future Workforce
BridgeYear.org