A proven student-led initiative that was created and curated for students to build on their sense of identity, and early leadership skills, this program will serve them beyond the crimson-clad doors of our Dear High.
This August, the 288th class of Central High School will begin their journey, stepping into a community built on tradition with over 180 years of academic distinction. Since its inception, there have been 588 students enrolled.
The program begins with a week-long Bridge Summer Institute designed to prepare incoming freshmen academically and support a smooth, equitable transition into Central’s rigorous educational environment.
Throughout the school year, students belong to a dedicated Bridge advisory, engage in mentorship and leadership development activities, and receive ongoing guidance from an upperclassman “Big Sibling” mentor.
“ BLP builds community and an intergenerational network that allows freshmen to be able to grow into leadership and supporting positions. The BLP had a large impact on how I navigated my time throughout Central as I met peers, faculty, and alumni who gave me opportunities that encouraged my learning and informed values that I still rely on today. – Faye (284)
To make this critical initiative sustainable, we are seeking funding support to grow the CHS Bridge Summer Institute and Bridge Leadership Program.
Our goal is to foster belonging, community, and confidence throughout each student’s time at Central.
- Insight into life at Central, shared by teachers, alumni, and upperclassmen who serve as mentors known as “Big Sibling”
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Opportunities to meet other incoming 9th graders and build lifelong friendships
- Activities focused on academic and leadership skill development
Many of the members who start as freshman go on to become a “Big Sibling” for incoming students.
“As a Big Sibling in the summer institute I helped lead the planning for a Self-Advocacy Workshop that I created for the Bridge Builders. With this workshop, we are able to teach students how to advocate for themselves and reach out to teachers as freshmen.” – Nelian (284)
She emphasizes the importance of speaking up and connecting with teachers early on.
The program is enriching for both siblings” . As Susan (284) shared:
“My greatest contribution as a “Big Sibling” is being a math tutor. As someone who struggled a lot with math, especially as a freshman, just the idea of being able to help other freshmen overcome the obstacle I was faced with makes me happy and feel like I can actually put my skills to use.”
This kind of peer-to-peer mentorship, rooted in empathy and shared experience, is a cornerstone of the program’s long-term impact. We believe that every student deserves the support, confidence, and community they need to thrive especially as they enter one of the most important transitions of their academic journey.
As teachers who have taught at Central for many years, and served as faculty sponsors for cultural clubs, and as a Bridge faculty co-coordinator we have seen first-hand the impact through donations, time, and guidance that the alumni community has provided.
Thank you for your continued commitment to educational equity and student success.
Mr. Ken Hung
Ms. Sophia Date
Ms. Monique McKenney
Social Studies Teachers
Bridge Leadership Program Co-Coordinators
Celebrate Central. Cherish Central. Choose Central.