The Bridge of Northeast Florida Inc. is a Jacksonville nonprofit agency serving children and families in the urban core neighborhoods struggling with failing schools, poverty and high rates of violence.
The mission of The Bridge is to promote the development of healthy, productive, self-sufficient youth and families by providing comprehensive educational, social and health programs to those in need in Jacksonville’s most overburdened neighborhoods.
The Bridge’s vision is to create a healthy environment that generates hope for children, youth and their families, empowering them to develop their potential as responsible members of society.
The Bridge provides a comprehensive group of programs that offer children and teens from ages 5 to 18 an array of services including academics, health education, mentoring, job skills and employment opportunities and enrichment programs. The programs operate on the main Bridge campus in the Springfield neighborhood of Jacksonville, serving families from some of the city’s most underserved neighborhoods.
In the last several years, The Bridge acquired The Weaver Zone, a 34,000 square foot building which has significantly expand capacity to serve teens enrolled in our Bridge Urban Springfield (BUS) teen program. Now truly an epicenter for teens, The Weaver Zone has been renovated to a state of the art haven with advanced technology and serves as an oasis of safety for hundreds of teens living in troubled Jacksonville neighborhoods. Our teen programs have continued to grow with 45% of our enrollment being young black males.
The Weaver Zone Animation Lab, made possible by a Chartrand Foundation Grant, opened summer 2010.Thirty students have participated with 15 students completing the entire curriculum including conceptual thinking, graphic design, color and computer engineering. Under the watchful eye of instructor Kevin Nichols, students are able to harness their fascination with technology to day-to-day academics during this unique educational experience with potential for real world careers.
95% of Bridge students showed an improved commitment to school, as evidenced by 10 or fewer absences.
91% of Bridge seniors graduated, compared to 63% in Duval County and 72% in the State of Florida.
The Bridge awarded 53 scholarships to support the higher education and/or career training goals of its students.
The 3-D modeling class was a life changing experience. I attend a college prep school and take geometry and science classes. The software has helped me understand basic geometry and encouraged me to explore science. I believe the skill sets learned in the can drive me to make the next iPhone or to be the next Mark Zuckerberg.
- Aaron Smith, Age 13
