The Bridge Urban Springfield (BUS)

The Bridge Urban Springfield (BUS) program, on the main campus, represents an integration of programs and services conscientiously designed to directly address the issues that effect children, youth and families who are burdened with having to live in troubled neighborhoods. After-school and summer camp services are provided to children and adolescents ages 6 to 18. The model serves an active after school enrollment of 222 students.

BUS students are from 31 different area elementary, middle and high schools, most of which are low grade schools. These schools have;

• The lowest readers
• The lowest attendance levels
• The lowest promotion rates
• The lowest FCAT scores
• The lowest learning gains in Duval County.

Every day BUS staff continues to battle the academic and social problems facing children living in extreme poverty. School attendance and good grades are not priorities to many families who need for example, older children to stay at home to care for younger siblings. Through hard work, staff helps increase attendance and academic assistance including one- on- one tutoring improves school performance.

Staff, volunteers and a highly successful mentoring partnership for teens through Baptist Health provide positive role models and caring adults willing to listen and help.

While there are other neighborhood programs providing after school activities, only The Bridge operates a “holistic” model that addresses academics, health, social enrichment, mentoring, job skills training and jobs.