Youth Programs

Bridges to the Future helps eligible students in Northumberland, Columbia, Montour, Union, Snyder, Mifflin, Clinton, Lycoming, and Centre counties graduate from high school and get a job, enroll in post-secondary education, or join the military. Students participate in the program from their sophomore year in high school until one year after high school graduation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can participate?

To sign up for Bridges to the Future, students must be entering their sophomore year and be willing to participate until one year after high school graduation. All participants are low-income and can be described as one or more of the following: 1) reading, writing, or computer skills at or below the 8th grade level; 2) participant in the juvenile justice system; 3) pregnant or parenting; 4) homeless or in foster care; 5) English language learner; and/or 6) has a disability.

What does it cost?

There is no cost to students or their families to participate. Bridges to the Future is funded by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).

What do participants learn?

Participants learn about their career interests and skills so that they can create goals for the future. Students leave the program with a resume and cover letter, interviewing skills, teamwork and customer service experience, work and leadership experience, financial knowledge, contacts in local industry, and a clear pathway to achieve their work and life goals.

What happens in Bridges to the Future?

Each year is a little different.

In 10th grade, students start to learn about their skills and interests so that they can develop their career goals. They also start mapping out a plan to achieve their goals. By the end of 10th grade, students participate in one job shadowing experience to learn about their field of interest.

In the summer after 10th grade, students participate in a fun, two-week camp to learn about STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics) occupations. During this camp, students also learn about entrepreneurship, leadership, and financial literacy. There are also tours of local businesses to help students learn about job opportunities.

During 11th grade, students work one-on-one with a mentor to refine their career goals and plans. Students create a resume, practice interviewing, and learn more about finance.

Between 11th and 12th grade, students are placed in an eight (8)-week paid work experience with a local employer. Students earn $10.35 per hour as they build their confidence, learn new skills, and get real-life work experience. During this summer, students can also apply for internships and other work experiences.

In 12th grade, students finalize their career and post-high school plans. We organize college tours and help students with financial aid paperwork. Students update their resume and cover letters, work on job and college applications, and practice interviewing with staff. By the end of 12th grade, students will know what their post-high school plans are: either post-secondary education, employment, or the military.

After high school, our staff continues to support and advocate for students who participate in Bridges to the Future for another year. We help graduates stay on track toward their goals and address challenges as they arise.