Social Work Connects to the Community
Bridges to ÑÇÉ«ÊÓÆµ»ÆÉ«appÏÂÔØ
Bridges to ÑÇÉ«ÊÓÆµ»ÆÉ«appÏÂÔØ is a collaboration between and ÑÇÉ«ÊÓÆµ»ÆÉ«appÏÂÔØ in which Bridges participants and ÑÇÉ«ÊÓÆµ»ÆÉ«appÏÂÔØ students attend brief,
accessible lectures delivered by ÑÇÉ«ÊÓÆµ»ÆÉ«appÏÂÔØ faculty on the college campus on a biweekly
basis. After the presentation, Bridges participants and ÑÇÉ«ÊÓÆµ»ÆÉ«appÏÂÔØ students form small
groups to discuss presentation content and their reactions. The weeks following the
lectures, Bridges and ÑÇÉ«ÊÓÆµ»ÆÉ«appÏÂÔØ students complete homework assignments together related
to the previous week’s lecture.
Bridges to ÑÇÉ«ÊÓÆµ»ÆÉ«appÏÂÔØ began in January 2010. Approximately 15 Bridges participants attend
each semester. After four semesters, Bridges participants graduate from the program
and a new cohort from Bridges begin their college journey. The objectives of this
project include increasing ÑÇÉ«ÊÓÆµ»ÆÉ«appÏÂÔØ students’ exposure to diverse groups; providing
a rigorous and meaningful learning experience for Bridges participants; enhancing
ÑÇÉ«ÊÓÆµ»ÆÉ«appÏÂÔØ students’ ability to communicate with people with disabilities; and raising
awareness of issues related to disabilities among students and faculty.