Bridges From School to Work

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Bridges From School to Work

Bridges From School to Work helps young people with disabilities find lasting employment. www.bridgestowork.org

Bridges provides the support necessary to stabilize the employment relationship—the program’s focus is on long-term employment success, not simply job placement. We have programs in several markets in the United States: Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Los Angeles, New York City, Oakland, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Washington, DC.

08/24/2026

You don’t have to be ready today. 💜

If you’re between **17 and 24 and have a disability**, you can connect with Bridges From School to Work when the time is right for you.

Maybe you’re ready to start exploring employment now. Great!

Maybe you have school, summer plans, family commitments, or other things happening right now. That’s okay, too.

You might be ready in a few months—or even a year or two from now.

**There’s no deadline to enroll.**

Our goal is to meet young people where they are and support them when they’re ready to take the next step toward employment, independence, and career development.

If you know a young person who could benefit from employment support, share this Reel with them or their family. 💜

08/21/2026

From a first job to finding the right fit. 💜

When Brianna began working with Bridges From School to Work last October, she was ready to take the next step toward employment. By November, she had secured a position as a cashier at BJ’s—a valuable opportunity that gave her hands-on work experience and helped strengthen her resume.

But Brianna soon realized that the job wasn’t the right long-term fit for her interests and career goals.

And that’s okay. Finding the right career path doesn’t always happen with the first opportunity. Sometimes, it takes experience to discover what you truly want.

So Brianna and Bridges went back to the job search with a clearer goal: finding a position where her interests, strengths, and passions could shine.

This spring, Bridges connected Brianna with a hiring manager at Hot Topic and helped her prepare for an interview. Brianna aced it—and got the job! 🎉

Today, Brianna has found more than a new position. She has found a workplace where she feels a sense of belonging and excitement. She shared with Bridges that her work experiences have helped her become more independent, confident, and prepared for her future career.

Her story is a reminder that meaningful employment is about more than getting hired. It’s about finding the right opportunity, building confidence, developing skills, and creating a career path that feels right.

We’re proud to be part of Brianna’s journey—and we can’t wait to see where she goes next. 💜

08/17/2026

From practice interviews to her first job! 🎉

Lily was referred to LA Bridges by her high school DOTs Teacher. With support from Bridges, she completed an assessment, built her resume, searched for jobs, and practiced her interview skills.

The notes Lily took during her practice interviews helped her feel prepared and confident — and it paid off!

She landed a position at Little Caesars! 🍕👏

We’re so proud of Lily and excited to see where her career journey takes her next. 💚

Congratulations, Lily! Your hard work made this possible.

08/14/2026

Sometimes, all a young person needs is someone who listens. 💚

When young people feel heard instead of judged, something changes.

They become more comfortable asking questions.
They become more willing to try.
They begin to believe in themselves.

At Bridges, we believe meaningful progress starts with trust. That means listening without judgment, showing up with honesty, and working alongside each young person—not simply telling them what to do.

Because when someone knows they have a person in their corner, they can start seeing possibilities they may not have seen before. 🌱

Everyone deserves to feel heard, supported, and believed in.

💚 What difference can one supportive person make in a young person's life?

08/13/2026

Looking Back at Our June 2026 Board Meeting

Every step forward begins with meaningful conversations. 💜

Our June Board Meeting brought together dedicated leaders committed to strengthening our mission and creating more opportunities for youth with disabilities. Through collaboration, thoughtful planning, and a shared vision, we're continuing to build a future where every young person has the opportunity to thrive.

Thank you to our Board of Directors for your leadership, guidance, and unwavering support of the Bridges community.

08/11/2026

Jonathan is a Bridges Philadelphia student who makes friends everywhere he goes. This spring, his Bridges representative accompanied Jonathan to PennDOT to get his State ID; since he is about to turn 21 and is almost done with school, this will be necessary for employers.

They spent hours waiting, an experience that would be depressing and stressful for most people, but Jonathan kept a great attitude. When it was finally his turn, Jonathan charmed the staff with his friendly, outgoing nature, learning each of their names and showing off his polite manners. Stay tuned for updates on Jonathan - his first job is just around the corner with this attitude!

08/09/2026

Growth doesn't happen by avoiding challenges—it happens by facing them, one step at a time. 💜

Anxiety can make new experiences feel overwhelming, but with the right support, young people can build the confidence to move forward. Every challenge they overcome becomes proof that they're stronger than they thought.

No one should have to face that journey alone. Having an advocate who believes in them, encourages them, and stands beside them can make all the difference.

08/05/2026

Imani accomplished something truly significant this past spring- she graduated with honors from South Atlanta High School while participating in tennis, cross country, and girls varsity basketball!. 🏀

Bridges is incredibly proud of how she balanced her academic and athletic responsibilities. 🙌

In May, she began a position with COSM. When she begins her freshman year at Georgia State University, COSM will provide her the opportunity to work while attending classes.

Well done, Imani! 👏

08/04/2026

Earlier this year, Bridges participants took an important step toward sustainable employment through a partnership with Compass Group at the Georgia Aquarium . During the organization’s second group interview session, participants had the opportunity to showcase their skills, engage directly with hiring managers, and gain firsthand exposure to a professional work environment through a guided facility tour.

The event resulted in an outstanding outcome: seven Bridges participants received conditional job offers! For many, this opportunity represents more than employment—it is a pathway to financial stability, increased confidence, and long-term career growth.

The success of this hiring event reflects the value of strong employer partnerships and the dedication of participants who prepared for and successfully navigated the interview process. In June, these newly hired individuals began orientation and transitioned into part-time work schedules, moving one step closer to achieving their employment goals and building brighter futures for themselves and their families.

07/31/2026

The real difference isn't just what we do—it's how we show up.

At Bridges, every student is known, supported, and encouraged every step of the way. By building trusted relationships with schools, families, and young adults, we're able to provide the personalized guidance that helps students grow with confidence and prepare for meaningful employment.

Success starts with trust. And trust starts with showing up.

💙 Because every young adult deserves someone who believes in their potential.

📩 Want to learn how Bridges is changing lives? Visit us at: https://bridgestowork.org/

Address

7700 Old Georgetown Road, Suite 800
Bethesda, MD
20814

Website

http://www.bridgestowork.org/

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