At ourBRIDGE, students receive homework help, participate in hands-on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering , Arts and Math) projects, and engage in a culturally relevant curriculum that emphasizes experiential learning. We provide one-on-one daily English literacy tutoring in order to accelerate the students’ acquisition of the English language. ourBRIDGE for KIDS aims to close the communication gap between school, teachers and families through the coordination of home visits, translation of school documents, and the organization of literacy nights and cultural events for parents at our center. When needed, we also provide parents transportation and translation support at teacher conferences and serve as the liaison between parents and schools.
In the summer months the fun continues with a 4-week long high-energy and practical learning program. Designed to help the kids prepare for the new school year, we take them on four field trips in July and August and invite the parents to join the experience with their children.
Our goal is to educate and provide a supporting community for each child and family enrolled.
We’re open 3–6pm Monday through Friday and during the school year. Our summer program is 4 weeks in July-August.
We provide a student-led, culturally relevant curriculum that includes everything, from STEAM to Social Studies. Children with the lowest English proficiency receive over 20 hours of one-on-one English literacy each year.
We operate at a community center located 2 miles from uptown Charlotte. Our center is a warm, bright, welcoming space, decorated for and by the children. Come see us if you are around!
Teachers saw improvement in: homework, class participation, behavior, and academic motivation
According to parents' letters of intention, all of our kids will come back in 2016-2017
Our attendance rate average in 2015-2016 was 93% each day, Monday through Friday
82% of ourBRIDGE students are considered ELL at their elementary school
Many of ourBRIDGE kids have struggled with complex issues such as poverty, family separation, life in refugee in camps, cultural shock and learning English as an additional language, while, at the same time, understanding a new culture and coping with new social expectations.
ourBRIDGE for KIDS provides a loving, nurturing environment where children’s cultures, beliefs, experiences, fears, dreams and opinions are heard, valued, and embraced. At our center, children learn to feel proud of who they are and where they come from. Our culturally relevant curriculum builds children’s self esteem and confidence, which in turn helps improve their overall school performance.
Students receive help with homework and supportive tutoring in various school subjects. English Language Learners (ELLs) also receive over 20 hours of personalized one-on-one English language tutoring in reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
CMS teachers have reported that the academic support offered by the program plays a critical role in the success of at-risk students in their classes.
Our Literacy Specialist assesses students’ reading ability and coordinates both small group and individual instruction – often resulting in our students surpassing their peers in reading level growth.
ourBRIDGE for KIDS not only focuses on education but celebrates all cultures and beliefs.
At our center, kids learn to become better students and to not only respect, but also celebrate each other’s culture while being encouraged to show pride in who they are and where they come from.
We provide free transportation to and from major schools and neighborhoods
We provide heathly snacks each day including: fruit, vegetables, pastas and chicken (no pork or beef)
Outdoors exercise and sports is offered regularly along with frequent visits to local parks, weather permitting
ourBRIDGE for KIDS at its core is not just an academic program. While its emphasis is to educate, the program strives to foster a supporting community for each child and family enrolled in the program.
Children learn to respect themselves and everyone around them. To reach the community, we start with the child.
