The Bridge Program Honored with Community Support Award

Antioch University Los Angeles’ Bridge Program was awarded the Community Support Award by the Westside Shelter & Hunger Coalition at its sixteenth annual Celebrating Success breakfast on Friday, October 28, 2011. AULA President, Dr. Tex Boggs and Bridge Program Director Kathryn Pope represented Bridge on behalf of the university and Shari Foos, the founder of the Bridge Program.

Chrysalis, a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a pathway to self-sufficiency for homeless and low-income individuals by providing the resources and support needed to find and retain employment, nominated the Bridge Program for the award.

Formerly homeless clients of Westside Shelter & Hunger Coalition member agencies received awards for their accomplishments in overcoming challenges and becoming self-sufficient.  Local businesses and civic organizations were also honored for their enthusiasm and support of coalition member agencies. 

The Bridge Program provides a free education in the Humanities for poor and working poor individuals in Los Angeles.  Each year 30 students enter the Bridge Program where they can earn up to 15 college credits with all the necessary expenses included. Bridge pays their tuition, books, supplies, even bus tokens and refreshments the nights of classes. Unlike many programs that offer skills training for low-level jobs, Bridge was designed to impart academic skills. Bridge students work together with committed faculty and tutors studying philosophy, literature, art history and the writing arts.