A Bridge for Kids is a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to the raising and distribution of funds to underprivileged teens in need, through a child sponsorship program. We focus on this age group because historically it has had the greatest financial need, yet has received the least support. We believe these impressionable years are a “make or break” period and without outside support, many are at risk of becoming another statistic.
We identify high achieving, low income teens who have demonstrated potential in academics, athletics, and/or the arts and who have been nominated by school faculty or administration, outside program leaders, or parents. Each teen is interviewed by an ABFK volunteer and assessed for sponsorship based on their academics, extracurricular activities, community service involvement, and overall need. A unique feature of our sponsorship program is one that allows the sponsor to act as a mentor for the teen, providing the teen with a resource who can offer support, encouragement, and advice as the teen navigates his/her journey through high school and into college. If a sponsor chooses not to mentor a teen, we will assign a volunteer to serve the function of mentor.
Led by a passionate group of supporters and sponsors, our organization’s goal is to positively impact the life of as many underprivileged youth as possible. In short, we exist to support less fortunate youth with a desire to better their lives but just need a little helping hand to do it!
Examples of what sponsorship funds can provide:
- Basic necessities such as food, clothes and toiletries
- Basic health care and related supplies
- Computers, software and 1-1 training
- School supplies such as books, computers and software
- Musical instruments, art supplies and athletic equipment
- Tuition for summer camps
- Music and art lessons
- College application fees
- Funding for travel and club sport teams
- Fare for transportation to and from school and work
- Funding for school trips and proms
- Paid tutor for school subjects
- Mentoring programs
- Help in applying for Scholarships
- And much, much more
Examples of what mentors provide:
- Guidance in the college application process
- Guidance and encouragement regarding academic, athletic and artistic paths the teen is considering
- A cheerleader for the teen by attending athletic games, music performances, graduations, etc.
ABFK has developed additional programs that are offered to all sponsored teens, free of charge.
College Campus Tours
ABFK offers East Coast and West Coast college campus tours allowing teens to visit schools that they would otherwise not be financially able to tour. Currently, we offer 2 West Coast trips, one visiting Southern California colleges and one visiting Northern California campuses. The East Coast trip visits many Ivy League colleges from the Mid-Atlantic area and New England.
SAT/ACT Preparatory Program
Most of our teens have strong GPA’s but lack the financial resources to take preparatory classes for the college entrance SAT and ACT tests. This puts them at a competitive disadvantage during the college application process, as they are competing against peers that have been tutored and prepped for these tests. ABFK has partnered with Revolution Prep to provide our teens with access to an on-line college preparatory course with the intent of “leveling the playing field” for them when sitting for these exams.
Tutoring Program
ABFK believes that maintaining a strong GPA is paramount when applying to the colleges of their dreams. Therefore, we offer financial support for academic tutoring for our sponsored teens in need of extra help. We work in concert with the student’s school to find an appropriate tutor within their system and arrange for a session that meets both the student’s and tutor’s schedule. If the school is not able to work directly with us, the student can work with a teacher or counselor to secure a tutor. Progress is monitored; and provided the student complies with requirements, tutoring is ongoing until the extra help is no longer needed.
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