Social Work Connects to the Community
Bridges to Âé¶¹ÆÆ½â°æ
Bridges to Âé¶¹ÆÆ½â°æ College is a collaboration between and Âé¶¹ÆÆ½â°æ College in which Bridges participants and Âé¶¹ÆÆ½â°æ students attend brief,
accessible lectures delivered by Âé¶¹ÆÆ½â°æ faculty on the college campus on a biweekly
basis. After the presentation, Bridges participants and Âé¶¹ÆÆ½â°æ students form small
groups to discuss presentation content and their reactions. The weeks following the
lectures, Bridges and Âé¶¹ÆÆ½â°æ students complete homework assignments together related
to the previous week’s lecture.
Bridges to Âé¶¹ÆÆ½â°æ began in January 2010. Approximately 15 Bridges participants attend
each semester. After four semesters, Bridges participants graduate from the program
and a new cohort from Bridges begin their college journey. The objectives of this
project include increasing Âé¶¹ÆÆ½â°æ students’ exposure to diverse groups; providing
a rigorous and meaningful learning experience for Bridges participants; enhancing
Âé¶¹ÆÆ½â°æ students’ ability to communicate with people with disabilities; and raising
awareness of issues related to disabilities among students and faculty.