The mission of Building Bridges is to cultivate purposeful partnerships between Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and independent schools nationwide. Through immersive programming, we serve aspiring educators from HBCUs and students at independent schools, promoting access, exposure and mutual engagement across both communities. We aim to enrich the independent school landscape, inspire equitable and inclusive practices, and create richer learning environments.
St. George’s has crafted a remarkable program that seamlessly integrates the culture of independent schools with motivated HBCU students dedicated to teaching. The ability of Building Bridges to navigate and merge these two distinct educational landscapes is truly masterful ... It empowers young educators of color to enter the classroom equipped with support, guidance, and a profound sense of purpose.”
Molly Bozzo, Head of School, Marin Country Day School
Independent schools thrive when our faculty reflect the diverse, global world our students will inherit. Creating a sustainable, highly qualified pipeline of diverse educators requires more than traditional job postings—it demands intentional relationship-building. Building Bridges fulfills this need by forging deep, institutional partnerships with HBCUs, offering a proven pathway from professional exposure to long-term classroom success.
Building Bridges stands apart because of its proven track record of preparing talented educators and supporting them as they transition into the profession. The program also creates a powerful ripple effect—expanding how new teachers think about where they can lead and serve while strengthening the independent school community with diverse, highly prepared educators.”
Dr. Alicia Renix, Howard University
STRATEGIC PRIORITIES
PIPELINE DEVELOPMENT
Actively building and cultivating a verified talent stream between premier HBCUs and independent schools. Membership embeds your institution within a national ecosystem that bridges the gap between connection and the classroom, creating a direct pathway for exceptional future educators.
DUAL PATHWAY EXPOSURE
Prioritizing structured, mutual engagement across two educational landscapes, we provide aspiring HBCU educators with immersive exposure to the distinct professional opportunities within independent schools, while simultaneously broadening independent school students’ perspectives through direct connection to the rich legacy, culture, and academic excellence of HBCUs.
ACCESS & OPPORTUNITY
Moving past traditional, localized recruiting methods by establishing permanent, national pathways for institutional advancement. Through coordinated network programming, partner schools gain direct, ongoing engagement with a vetted talent pool of exceptional earlycareer scholars, while simultaneously providing those scholars with the immersive experience, mentorship, and professional opportunities necessary to launch thriving, long-term careers in private education.
Move beyond traditional recruitment, help enrich the independent school landscape.
THREE PHASE PIPELINE MODEL
Our network schools engage with future educators through three distinct phases:
1 CAREER EXPLORATION
Offers aspiring educators an introductory multi-school campus visit introducing top-tier HBCU students to the independent school ecosystem, student life, and career pathways.
2
SUMMER TEACHING & LEARNING INSTITUTE
A dynamic and inclusive residential professional development conference that supports both aspiring educators attending HBCUs and early-career educators. The Institute offers a welcoming space that builds community, fosters professional growth, and engagement in meaningful networking opportunities.
3
MINI TEACHING PRACTICUM
An immersive multi-day, hands-on teaching experience, allowing selected candidates to shadow faculty mentors, practice lesson execution, and integrate into a school community.
IMPACT BY THE NUMBERS
Building Bridges is a proven initiative with measurable outcomes. Since launching in 2022, we have successfully created a pipeline that promotes access, exposure, and engagement across two vital educational communities.
Over 18 PROGRAMS SUCCESSFULLY EXECUTED across the independent school landscape.
120+ EXCEPTIONAL HBCU SCHOLARS directly engaged in Building Bridges programming.
30+ INDEPENDENT SCHOOL PARTNERS nationwide collaborating within our network.
21+ EARLY-CAREER EDUCATORS trained at our Summer Institute.
ZERO PLACEMENT FEES for member institutions—redirecting thousands of recruitment dollars directly back into your school’s faculty development and retention.
VOICES OF THE NETWORK
The Building Bridges program provided me with an invaluable opportunity to explore a wide spectrum of independent schools during college, and to engage critically as a Building Bridges Teaching Fellow at St. George’s School. Through my two-year fellowship, I experienced various aspects of independent school life and developed my practice as an educator through regular professional development, mentorship, and observation. Furthermore, the fellowship opportunity prepared me to confidently transition into any full-time position.”
Jasmine Prime, Building Bridges Teaching Fellow, St. George’s School
When I learned about the Building Bridges visit, I was jumping up and down. I was so excited to meet students from HBCUs because, at Cate, not a lot of students go to HBCUs. I was thrilled to hear and learn about their experiences and to have the opportunity to talk to the amazing women who attend Howard.”
Nor Harwell, Cate School, Class of 2025
The Building Bridges program participants were so inspiring. I hope all of them land in independent schools and come away from the Building Bridges program as ambassadors for our schools. The impact will be like the butterfly effect. Culture will change.”
Alona Scott,
The Buckley School, Head of School
Shape the Future of Your Faculty. Become a Partner. Membership in the Building Bridges Partner School Network provides your institution with direct access to our comprehensive candidate database, priority for programmatic hosting, and collaborative spaces with peer schools.
