For nearly three decades, Bridges to a Brighter Future has been transforming the lives of first-generation, low-income students in Greenville County. Rooted in the vision of Mamie Jolley Bruce, the program has grown into a year-round support system, helping students achieve academic success and build brighter futures. From the summer Foundations program to ongoing initiatives like Saturday College, Bridges continues to adapt to meet the needs of its students.
My family has watched the incredible impact of Bridges to a Brighter Future on the lives of Greenville County youth with much more than a passing interest. It was my mother—Mamie Jolley Bruce—who had the original vision for Bridges. Her founding endowment made it a reality in 1997. But Mom would be the first to say that Bridges has surpassed her dreams for first-generation low-income teens and for Greenville.
Over its 27 years, Bridges graduates have accomplished much – graduation from high school, admission to post-secondary institutions, and productive lives as adults focused on giving back to their communities. Many obstacles could have derailed these young people’s dreams, but amazing faculty and staff were there to teach, counsel, and love them.
Bridges began with Foundations, a three-week summer residential program on the Furman campus. Foundations immerses students in an academic and social experience that previews college life. It helps students and their families imagine what leaving home will be like – something so important for students who most often will be the first generation of college goers in their families.
Bridges staff learned early on that the summer program is not enough. Students need touch points throughout the year to stay engaged and accountable for their academic and social responsibilities. And so, Saturday College was born. It brings students back to campus once a month for academic programming and college planning. Bridges staff have high expectations for what Bridges students can achieve. Many students do not know how to seek help when they need it; they are too proud or stubborn. Knowing when and how to seek help is a skill that all students need when they begin their post-secondary lives. Bridges programming provides the right combination of challenge and support. Bridges adults are vigilant and can be stern when needed, all within a context of care and trust. Bridges staff provide ongoing touch points by connecting with students in their post-secondary settings.
Throughout its history, Bridges has learned and adapted to new challenges and opportunities. Today, Bridges is the newest part of Furman’s Office of Student Life where staff connect directly with colleagues who are committed to a college experience in which all young people can find their pathway to success. Importantly, Bridges students are diving even more deeply into a college planning curriculum that begins in their first year of the program. Students, themselves asked for more time and attention to college planning. Bridges staff responded.
In this time of renewal and reflection after the devastation of COVID, Hurricane Helene, and political uncertainty, I am hopeful for our students and grateful to all the people—especially our leadership team—who work so hard to ensure that brighter future for our students. These beautiful young people deserve all that Bridges to a Brighter Future offers. Mom would be proud.
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