Bridge Builders Foundation

09/02/2026

09/01/2026

Starting and Ending with Thank You!

09/01/2026

September is here, and our assault on illiteracy begins! 📚

Each year, Bridge Builders Foundation, in partnership with the Tabahani Book Circle, brings books to life through in-class reading sessions and the distribution of more than 500 hardcover, library-quality books to young people.

Our goal is simple: put books in homes, build home libraries, and encourage reading and learning beyond the school day.

Because when young people have access to books at home, we help open the door to a lifetime of learning.

Books to Life. One book. One child. One home library at a time.

08/27/2026

08/27/2026

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08/27/2026

Wow… Time Flies, and They Grow Up So Fast!

I ran across this photo from about a decade ago. Brooke-Monae Westbrook, seated in the middle of the kayak, was just a young BBF scholar exploring, learning, and experiencing new opportunities.

Fast-forward to today: Brooke-Monae has graduated from Hampton University and recently completed an internship with ABC7.

These are the moments that remind us why this work matters. We don't always get to see where the seeds we plant will eventually grow—but it is incredibly rewarding to watch a young person we knew as a child continue to learn, achieve, and pursue her dreams.

I know her mom, Michelle Jernigan Westbrook, is proud of the young woman she has become.

And so are we!

From a young scholar in a kayak to a college graduate beginning her professional journey. Keep climbing, Brooke-Monae. We are proud to have been a small part of your journey.

08/25/2026

UNCF Partnerships Opportunities

08/24/2026

BOARD MEMBER SPOTLIGHT | DRAKE DILLARD

Bridge Builders Foundation is proud to recognize Drake Dillard, a dedicated member of our Board of Directors whose leadership, professional expertise, and personal commitment continue to strengthen our work with young people.

With more than 50 years of experience in architecture, Drake has contributed to major projects throughout the United States, Middle East, and Africa. He currently serves as a California Commission on Disabilities Commissioner, participates on several design review boards, and is a faculty member at Otis College of Art and Design. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from the University of Illinois and a Master of Architecture from Howard University.

At BBF, Drake is much more than a board member. He is an active mentor, instructor, and leader of our STEM and architecture initiatives. He regularly shares his professional expertise directly with our scholars, introducing young people to architecture, design, STEAM careers, and possibilities they may not have previously imagined.

Drake embodies one of BBF’s guiding principles: “What they see, they can be.” By giving our scholars access to accomplished professionals who are willing to teach, mentor, and invest in them, we help turn exposure into aspiration—and aspiration into opportunity.

We are grateful for Drake’s leadership, service, and continued investment in the next generation.

Thank you, Drake, for helping us Lift as We Climb.

08/18/2026

08/17/2026

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