Bridges to a Brighter Future names 22nd class

Twenty-six Greenville County high school students have been invited to participate in Bridges to a Brighter Future at Furman University, a program whose mission is to give students the tools and support they need to overcome barriers, graduate from high school and enroll in college. The new class marks the 22nd year of the educational outreach program.

Since the program was launched in 1997, nearly 500 Greenville County students, including the newest class, have participated in Bridges to a Brighter Future.

“Bridges students have already demonstrated both academic and leadership potential by their ninth grade year, yet they face financial barriers or personal circumstances that may prevent them from achieving what they are truly capable of,” said Carrie Silver, director of Bridges to a Brighter Future. “Here, students participate in life-changing experiences that help them discover who they are to build the self-confidence and resiliency they need to succeed in life.”

The 26 students were chosen this year from a pool of 103 applicants. To be considered for the program, teachers and counselors nominate high school freshmen candidates who then complete written applications and participate in interviews.

Once selected, students take part in a comprehensive, year-round program, which includes three components. Through Saturday College, students receive tutoring and community-focused activities throughout the academic year. For three consecutive summers, students attend Bridges Foundations, a four-week residential program on the Furman campus that provides students with academic and personal support. And finally, Crossing the Bridge focuses on assisting students with the college enrollment process and the transition from high school to college. In all, the Bridges program includes more than seven years of support.

The new class will join 50 students already in the high school component of the program, bringing the total to 76 current Bridges students.

Students named as part of Bridges to a Brighter Future’s 22nd class are:

Berea High School: Sakyrio Stewart, Gabriel Wilson

Blue Ridge High School: Warren Edwards

Carolina High School: Myles Dillard, Jennifer Freeman, and Jae’layn Gowens

Eastside High School: Jhantaysia McDowell

Greenville Early College: Saniah Garnett, Shatoria Martin

Greenville High School: Jasmin Vidal-Jose

Greenville Technical Charter High School: Lana Abunijem

Greer High School: Thomas Hicks, Caleb Waters

Greer Middle College Charter High School: Allen Kuria

Hillcrest High School: Kara Diaz

JL Mann High School: Serger Jimenez-Sanchez

Legacy Charter School: Alejandro Jaramillo

Mauldin High School: Samira Moore

Riverside High School: Barthenea Magdalla

Southside High School: David Jones, Stephanie Pastor

Travelers Rest High School: Makenzey Kephart, Josue Perez

Wade Hampton High School: Zaria Suber

Woodmont High School: Jose Marin-Boyzo, Na’travis Shumate

Learn more about Bridges to a Brighter Future at www.bridgestoabrighterfuture.org, or contact director Carrie Silver at 864-294-3135 and carrie.silver@furman.edu.