The Bridging the Gap Program (The Bridge), which works to keep East Chicago students in school through after school sessions, summer sessions and work-study programs, received a collaboration grant from the Foundations of East Chicago (FEC) last year. FEC collaboration grants are awarded annually to collaborations of three to six organizations that propose a program that will help the people of East Chicago. Alternatives, Lisa’s Safe Haven and Tau Alpha Gamma, Inc. are the three organizations that collaborated to form The Bridge.
-Alternatives: The Bridge grew out of the Alternatives program, which was the original dropout-prevention program in East Chicago. In its six years, Alternatives had built relationships in the community and collected recreation and school supplies that are being used by students in The Bridge.
-Lisa’s Safe Haven (LSH): This organization worked with Alternatives for two years and now provides transportation for the students in The Bridge. The Bridge uses several sites for its programs and takes students on multiple field trips each year, for which this transportation is vital. LSH also provides meals for students in The Bridge’s summer program.
-Tau Alpha Gamma, Inc. (TAG): TAG provides a fraternity/sorority for East Chicago teens who are at risk of dropping out of school. The collaboration of these organizations allows the TAG students and student of The Bridge to work together and take advantage of what both programs have to offer. TAG also brings education and practice in the performing arts to The Bridge.
For more information on The Bridge and its collaborators, visit foundationsec.org.
