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Community Bridges is important to girls because...
"...L.U.N.A gives Latina girls the opportunity to support one another, build confidence, and increase leadership skills." |
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Programs | Special Projects | Program Highlights
More than 300 third- through 12th-grade girls eagerly participate in our free, multicultural empowerment and leadership development programs. We are currently working in five elementary schools, five middle schools, and four high schools in the Long Branch/East Silver Spring, Maryland community.
Jump Start Girls! Adelante Niñas! supports the tremendous potential of 8- to 15-year-old girls. Jump Start focuses on team-building, critical thinking, the arts, health and prevention, outdoor discovery and community action to develop self-confidence and self-expression. The program also provides academic support, field trips, and family outreach.
LUNA (Luchando Unidas con Nuestras Amigas) works with middle-school, immigrant girls interested in becoming leaders and role models as they transition into their new communities. The girls are encouraged to speak out and take on new challenges while celebrating their unique identity, preserving their cultural traditions, and embracing their bilingualism through workshops, field trips, creative art, dance, and poetry.
Dream Catchers Mentoring Program supports the development of eighth-grade girls through weekly mentoring program. Girls meet with female, adult mentors from their community to have dinner and address their academic, career, and personal goals. Open discussion sessions address such important issues as dating safety, divorce, the transition to high school, college and career preparation, sexuality and body image, and relationships.
GLOW! Young women leading the way, GLOW!, the Community Bridges High School Program for young women, is designed to offer an empowering space for female high school students from diverse families to explore their identities, life aspirations, and to be leaders in their communities. The program stands on the principles that all youth have inherent worth and the ability to affect progressive change in themselves and their communities. During GLOW! we take a critical look at issues affecting women around the world and how we as young women can become leaders to address those issues. In the process, we develop critical thinking, problem solving and decision making skills; develop empathy for others; learn how to set goals and make informed choices; explore our cultural and gender identities; and make our voices heard on local and global issues. The students have opportunities to earn SSL hours, which MCPS requires for high school graduation. Girls also have the opportunity to visit universities on the East Coast and receive assistance in navigating the college application process.
YAC! Youth Ambassador Council, ensures that our programs are truly for youth, by youth. The YAC is a forum for Community Bridges participants to take a leadership role in the continuing development of the organization. Youth Ambassadors partner with organizational staff in the planning, implementation and evaluation of Community Bridges programs and events. Specific responsibilities include assisting with promotion and recruitment efforts, developing girl-friendly marketing materials, and advocating for Community Bridges to community partners. In return Youth Ambassadors receive leadership training and student service learning hours.
Community Crusaders Summer Camp builds on the leadership skills taught in the core programs during the school year. The camp provides the girls with a challenging and safe learning environment. It exposes girls to opportunities to serve the community, challenge themselves, and learn from strong female role models. Girls develop self-reliance, responsibility, teamwork, and environmental and community stewardship.