Outcomes
The Bridge Project provides invaluable educational supports for children and families in three of Denver’s most vulnerable communities. Results indicate that Bridge Project program components substantially improve students’ opportunities to engage in learning and experience academic and community success.
Participation figures for 2006-07:
- approximately 400 children and youth participated in one or more Bridge program activities;
- 221 youth were matched with adult tutors and attended After-school tutoring programs at Columbine, South Lincoln, and Westwood;
- 43 youth were matched with adult mentors representing a wide range of professional backgrounds and personal interests;
- eight high school seniors were awarded college scholarships and 31 currently enrolled college students benefited from the Bridge Project's scholarship program; and
- 127 students participated in the new federally-funded ZONE Youth Center at the South Lincoln site.
Demonstrated Results in 2006-07:
Evaluation findings highlight the importance of tutoring, homework help, targeted reading interventions, and the integration of technology in program activities. In 2006-07:
- Bridge participants demonstrated significant improvements in their ability to apply technology and computer skills to school and academic work;
- 74% of Bridge children and youth who participated in tutoring experienced at least a one-grade level improvement in reading scores at the end of the academic year;
- Analyses of Colorado Student Assessment Profile (CSAP) scores indicate that Bridge participants showed improvement in all primary subject areas, the the most striking progress in writing; and
- 60% of children and youth in the Summer Program improved their reading scores by .5 or more grade levels between May and September.
Future program efforts will be aimed at solidifying the improvements in academic outcomes reported in 2006-07 and in ensuring the long-term success of the vulnerable children and families served at the Bridge Project.
