Bridge Changes Lives - A Match Campaign with Téa Leoni

By Antioch University

$38,767
Donated
129% of $30,000 goal
148
Donors
This campaign ended on June 01, 2016, but you can still make a gift to Antioch University by clicking here!
About

I’m supporting Antioch University’s Bridge Program and I’d like to share my thoughts with you…

I think that when we peel back the onion to find the solution at the core of all the various problems that we face in our communities and around the world, there it is:  Education.  I believe that education can transform us as individuals and as a community, it informs our ability to think outside the box, to think critically and rationally, to communicate and compromise and contribute to our own and others’ well-being.  And, of course, that’s just the obvious stuff.

The Bridge Program, offered through Antioch University, offers free college courses to adults who might not otherwise have access to higher education.

Bridge students are recruited from communities with numerous barriers to continuing education.  They are an entirely diverse group, people of different ages, with different stories, backgrounds, races, religions, beliefs and experiences.  They come together in this community to study the humanities, literature, art, philosophy, writing, and community work.

There are three qualifications for a student to attend Bridge:

  • They must have an income within 200% of the federal poverty level
  • They have to be able to read a newspaper in English (since the courses are taught in English)
  • They have to be at least 18 years old, (students range from 18 to 80!)

And here’s what they don’t need: a high school diploma, a computer, money for books and transportation - or anything else that would prohibit them from coming to school.

I was introduced to Bridge through my friend, Cindy, who has taught in the program and who has herself been totally inspired by the students’ enthusiasm, gratitude and commitment to their education.  (By the way, almost 70% reported that they continued formal education after finishing Bridge!)  I saw in my friend the change that the program can inspire in everyone who is involved – and it prompted me to help.  These are free college courses for adults who are the least likely to ever afford the opportunity, but for whom the experience could have the greatest impact.

This is a unique and critical program, and this month I will be matching contributions up to $30,000.

If you agree with me – if you believe that education has the power to change lives – join me.  Every dollar you donate helps to continue and expand The Bridge Program so that we can change peoples’ lives through education.

To learn more about the Bridge Program, please click here.

Tea Leoni

Jeff Katz Photography/CBS Studios Inc.
Updates
Thanks for your help in meeting Téa's challenge!

Together, we met Téa Leoni's challenge and have raised $38,767! Thank you for helping Antioch reach our goal to unlock Tea's $30,000 in matching funds. Each of your gifts to the campaign goes a long way to ensure Bridge can continue its educational justice mission, give Bridge students a jump-start on college, and provide access to university-level courses free of financial burden.
 
As I write this, Bridge students across Los Angeles are preparing to present final projects to their faculty and peers. Later this month, students will walk the stage at Antioch's commencement to celebrate their accomplishments. Please know that because of your support, many more students will have the opportunity to take this incredible journey in the next year. We've created a special YouTube playlist to share our alumni and current student videos we featured in the campaign - please take a look.

On behalf of all the the Bridge students, staff and faculty, thank you for your support!  

Kathryn Pope, MFA
Bridge Program Director and Core Faculty

P.S.  To find out more about the Bridge Program and keep up with everything we do, please visit our web sitelike us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter

2746 days ago by Antioch University
Bridge Program Student Jocelyn Alvarado, Class of 2016

2748 days ago by Antioch University
Bridge Program Alumna Eva Reyes, Class of 2014

2755 days ago by Antioch University

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