Bridges to College Program
Join JVS’s Bridges to College program!
Welcome & Introductions
Share your name with the group.
 Where are you from?
Why are you interested in the Bridges to College program?


Student Testimonial
“I firmly believe that Bridges to College is the best
program to help people be successful in college,
and later on, be confident in life.”
-Yamileth
Required Documents

2 Forms of MA Residency

(MA license; MA ID; Utilities Bill; Renting Lease
or Housing Document)

A Proof of US Residency

(Birth Certificate; US Passport; Green Card; Resident Visa)

High School Diploma, High School Equivalency Assessment (ORIGINAL COPY)

Must be translated in English (resources will be provided at the time of your interview;
college transcript if already attended a college-level program)

1 Proof of Income

2013 W2 Tax Forms for all family members (spouse, parent or guardian)

2013 Tax Returns

Pay stub for current employment

Proof of child support also accepted

Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) or welfare letter also accepted

Resume (If available)
College Transcript (If available)

*Failure to provide these original documents may delay your acceptance. These
documents are used for college admissions and financial aid applications.
Bridges to College Program Days and Times

Morning Classes (General Studies)
◦ Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays from
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Coaching Group Class meets once a week
◦ 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM

Individual Coaching Appointments
◦ Each student will meet his or her Academic Coach for a 30-45 minute
individual meeting approximately every two to three weeks.

Students should expect to have about 5-6 hours of homework
per week, including work assigned in class by instructors and
self-study computer software.

Tutoring schedule will also be available or required once program starts.
Student Commitment
Bridges to College is FREE for students, but costs
our sponsors $9,000 per student.
MINIMUM Attendance Requirements

90% Attendance for classes, workshops, events
and individual appointments.

90% On time to all classes!

90% Completion of all Assigned Homework
(including self-study).
Being a Bridges to College student is a BIG commitment! You MUST have your
work schedule, child care, and family responsibilities in order so you can come to
class every day for the 23-week program!
General Studies Pathway
Bridges to College has a partnership with Bunker Hill Community
College (BHCC) which includes FREE classes:
• English 095
• Learning Community Seminar
2 FREE
Classes!
BHCC students pay $846 for these classes.
Bridges to College students get them for FREE– $0!!!!
Students who successfully complete the program and the classes
will be able to enroll into a college level English course and will
NOT have to take the English college placement test!
Academic Classes


Academic Support
Eng 095
◦ Prepare writing skills for college-level
English

Learning Communities Class
◦ Exercise your academic skills:
 Critical thinking
 Writing
 Oral Comprehension
◦ Explore relevant topics significant to a project
 Interactive
 Teamwork
◦ Group discussions and tutoring
Academic Classes (continued)

Math
◦ Concrete Examples
◦ Real-world situations illustrate math concepts
◦ Arithmetic to Algebra
o Ease Math Anxiety
o Practice problem-solving
skills
Academic Coaching
Bridges to College Coaches work
tirelessly to give students step-bystep personalized help with:





College Admissions Process
Class Registration and Scheduling
Financial Aid and Paying for
College
Career Planning and Exploration
Diploma and Transcript
Translations
Coaching at Bridges to College according
to Current Students
“They took the fear out of going to
college.”
“The coaching is literally the
‘bridge’ part of Bridges to
College.”
“Our coach is critical to our future success. I wish I had
this kind of coaching earlier on in life.”
Additional Advantages of Joining
the Bridges to College Program
We have helped over 300 individuals enroll into college! If you
successfully complete the JVS program, you can expect:
◦ Improved English and math skills necessary to successfully
enter the program of your choice!
◦ FREE tutoring and academic/career coaching.
◦ Social, community building, networking and educational
events.
◦ Full tuition assistance for a first semester class, see staff for
restrictions.
◦ A $100 voucher toward textbooks your second semester of
college.
◦ Job search support in your final semester of college.
Social, Community Building, Networking and
Educational Events
•Orientation
•FREE Tutoring
•College Campus Tours
•Guest Speakers
•Cultural Sharing
•Visit from JVS President & CEO
•Program Graduation Reception
•Special Alumni Events & Workshops
•Resume Workshop
•LinkedIn Workshop
•Alumni Reunion
General Studies Pathway
Includes Accounting, Healthcare, Information
Technology and more
The Bridges to College program offers a FREE 23-week General Studies track at JVS. This
pathway is ideal for students who are interested in Accounting, Healthcare, and Information
Technology.
JVS will provide FREE English, math, and academic readiness classes to students accepted into
the General Studies pathway.
General Studies Pathway
General Studies Pathway Facts:
 More than 300 students have enrolled in college from the
General Studies path.
 College enrollment trends from the past six years:
 Some Colleges Attended:
Bunker Hill Community College
Middlesex Community College
Quincy College
Roxbury Community College
UMASS Boston
 Certificate, Associate, or Bachelor Degree Programs:
Accounting, Business, Computer Information Technology,
Engineering, Lab Sciences, Education, Criminal Justice,
Psychology, Communication, Marketing, Health Care, Clean
Energy, and Social Services
STUDENT TESTIMONIAL
“I will be the first in my family to graduate from college with
the help from the JVS – Bridges to College program.”
—Sandra
Things to Think About



Describe how you will make Bridges to College program a priority in your life?
What changes would you need to make to be successful in the program and in
college?
How will your life improve when you successfully complete college?
Next Steps
Today:
 20-minute writing sample
 Complete the College Placement (CPT) Exams for English and Math
 Learn if you are qualified for an interview or our English for Academic
Success class.
Future:
 Complete the application and homework at home.
 Schedule an interview for the Bridges to College Program
 Return to JVS for your interview and bring your complete application,
homework and ALL REQUIRED documents.
 3-4 weeks after your interview, you will learn your acceptance status.
Questions & Reminders
QUESTIONS
If you have any additional questions please feel free to ask
them now. You can also contact:
- Allison Nonko, anonko@jvs-boston.org and 617-399-3226
- Brian Moore, bmoore@jvs-boston.org and 617-399-3244
REMINDERS
Please arrive 15 minutes early for the interview. Interviews will
be about 1 hour long.
Bring your completed application and all required
documents to the interview. Bring a printed copy of your
completed homework.
Like us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/bridgestocollege