For the past decade, the Bridge Program at Antioch University Los Angeles (AULA) has been doing something simply revolutionary: providing college classes to low-income adults in Los Angeles, at no cost to students. Bridge students earn up to fifteen units of college credit while studying philosophy, literature, art history, and writing over a nine-month period.

The cost of a college education has tripled over the past decade, and more than half of adults say the expense of a college education is “a big problem.” Bridge provides more than access to what would otherwise be an expensive education, however. Our experience has shown that, when encouraged to read, analyze, and write about the humanities, Bridge students not only develop critical academic skills; they also expand in academic self-confidence, develop a greater sense of agency, and begin to affect change in their personal lives, careers, and communities. Often, this change is transformational.

The Bridge Program was founded by AULA alumna Shari Foos in 1999 with the assistance of B.A. Program faculty member David Tripp, who served as the founding director of the program. Bridge is funded by the generous support of individuals, foundations, and volunteers, as well as Antioch University Los Angeles.

The result? 400 more people …

• have a larger vision for their lives, greater self-confidence, more hope, and a deeper sense of how we are all connected in one community.
• are pursuing their education: completing high school, attending university, and even graduate school.
• demonstrate a greater commitment to education for themselves, their children and their community.
• are participating in public life, going to museums, studying at libraries, attending poetry readings, concerts and plays.

For more information on how to apply, participate, donate, or get involved with the Bridge Program, call our program office at (310) 578-1080, ext. 300.

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