Behind the scenes at Saturday College

For these students, Saturday mornings quickly go from academics to a family environment. Photo Courtesy of Tobi Swartz.

Bridges to a Brighter Future is a program known for obtaining amazing results. However, these outcomes are the result of perseverance and hard work, not only from the students but also from counselors, volunteers and administrators.

In my first post, I talked a little about what a typical day at Saturday College entails. However, I did not mention the incredible amount of work that happens behind the scenes. Tobi Swartz and Casey Crisp, Bridges Program Director and Assistant Program Director describe planning Saturday College a “logistical challenge” that is worth every effort put in.  The first Saturday of every month, they are prepared to receive students and volunteers who will take part in a hectic morning of academics, but most importantly, support. 
Ensuring that every student has transportation and contacting local restaurants to provide lunch are only two examples of items Swartz and Crisp must check off their "To Do List" before the students arrive on Saturday morning.
To get a general idea of some behind the scenes work at Saturday College, be sure to check out this Flickr Slideshow and YouTube video.

Swartz states that "Bridges students are known for their enthusiasm and dedication". This is easy to see as soon as you meet them because they learn from the example of hard work set by other people involved, like program administrators and counselors. The students of Bridges to a Brighter Future are the ones we hear about the most, but the program would not be as successful as it is without its foundation of collaborative effort.

Saturday College is only one component of Bridges to a Brighter Future, so be sure to read our other posts, to better understand the job of other people involved with different parts of the program. Who knows? Maybe you’ll feel identified with the cause and become the next volunteer!

Don’t forget to leave any comments or questions below!