FAST PATH Program

The EverBank Fast Path Program, a multi-level program, is the result of conversations started in the spring of 2009 between EverBank and The Bridge. The partnership between The Bridge and EverBank began with three students from the BridgeWorks program working at EverBank in summer internships. The Fast Path program officially launched in the fall of 2009 with twelve10th grade students who were matched with EverBank mentors.

The mission of the EverBank Fast Path program is to help high potential Bridge high school students improve their chances of becoming productive, successful adults through a highly selective and comprehensive Program designed to:

• Improve students’ financial literacy skills
• Provide supplemental academic and life skills mentoring
• Provide valuable work experience and other enrichment opportunities 
• Offer opportunities for college scholarships and future employment

The partnership with EverBank provides employees an opportunity to serve as mentors for teens participating in the Bridge Urban Springfield (BUS) program on the main Bridge campus. Though the Fast Path program only requires mentors for a one year commitment, past experience shows that these relationships last much longer.   Students participating in Fast Path must be willing to make a 2 year commitment to the program.  Students can enroll in their 10th or 11th grade years. In addition to the mentoring component of the program, students receive a tailored financial curriculum to increase their financial literacy.  The financial classes and the mentoring program continue year round.  The paid summer internship program offered to the students is 8 weeks during the summer.

This program utilizes mentoring relationships in guiding high risk teens to establish goals which will lead to high school graduation, higher education and/or successful employment. Fast Path is modeled on the highly successful Tipping the Scale partnership between The Bridge and Baptist Health.