BRIDGES FOR SCHOOLS
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Bridges for Schools is an innovative program aimed at creating a sense of belonging and meaningful engagement within a school community. The Crimsonbridge Foundation provides funding and tools for schools to invest in Spanish and bilingual communications, parent engagement strategies, cultural competency, and more. Bridges for Schools is a key component of the Foundation’s Education Imperative®, which has helped increase Hispanic family engagement and student enrollment in Catholic schools.
Every school's needs and priorities differ, and school leaders know their community best. Each Bridges for Schools grant is tailored to the self-identified needs of the school and their goals related to enrollment and family engagement. Bridges for Schools grants have supported:
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Human translation of school materials to inform and improve parent engagement in school registration, activities, high school or college preparation process, etc.
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In-person translation at meetings and events
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Parent engagement strategies
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Spanish language website content
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Latino Family Liaisons or bilingual front office staff
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Spanish language or bilingual video and audio
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Parent Ambassador programs (Madrinas model)
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Representative photography (photos that capture the diversity of a school community)
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Culturally responsive imagery and art
WHY BRIDGES FOR SCHOOLS?
Bridges for Schools launched in 2018, in response to lessons learned after hosting the Latino Enrollment Institute (LEI), in partnership with the Archdiocese of Washington. LEI is a program of the University of Notre Dame that provides schools with marketing strategies and school culture interventions to better attract and serve Latino families. Following the training, school leaders expressed a need for capacity building resources to welcome and serve Latino families more intentionally. Bridges for Schools is our response to this request from school leaders.
IMPACT
95%
Bridges for Schools partners increased or maintained Hispanic enrollment
90%
Schools developed new Spanish language communication materials
90%
Schools participated in the program for more than one year
BRIDGES FOR SCHOOLS AWARD OF DISTINCTION
The Crimsonbridge Foundation presents the Bridges for Schools Award of Distinction to schools in honor of their commitment to fostering a welcoming environment and building capacity to engage Hispanic students and families. These schools are inclusive communities where all families can find a home and diversity is celebrated as a gift. These schools have actively participated in Bridges for Schools for five years and deserve to be recognized for their efforts!
RESOURCES FOR SCHOOLS, DIOCESES, AND FUNDERS
APPLY!
We are currently accepting applications for Bridges for Schools 2024. Schools in the Archdiocese of Washington, the Diocese of Arlington, and the Archdiocese of Philadelphia are eligible to apply. Please email programs@crimsonbridge.org for more information on how to apply.
BRIDGES FOR SCHOOLS INFORMATION SESSION
BRIDGES FOR SCHOOLS PARTNERS
