An unforgettable day of college exploration, cultural experiences, and inspiration for 21 Community Bridges high school students.
Earlier this month, 21 Community Bridges high school students and five staff members traveled to New York City for a day filled with college exploration, sightseeing, and cultural experiences. From touring Columbia University to attending a Broadway musical, the trip provided students with opportunities to envision their futures, explore new possibilities, and create lasting memories.
Exploring College Life at Columbia University
The day began with a visit to Columbia University in Manhattan’s Morningside Heights neighborhood. Students participated in a guided campus tour, learning about Columbia’s academic programs, campus traditions, and the experience of attending college in one of the world’s most vibrant cities.
A highlight of the visit was reconnecting with Community Bridges alumna Hannah Meshesha, now a freshman at Columbia University studying Urban Studies. Seeing a fellow CB Girl thriving at an Ivy League institution offered students a powerful example of what is possible through hard work, determination, and access to educational opportunities.
The group explored the campus, visited the iconic Roar-ee the Lion statue, and learned about the unique opportunities available to students living and studying in New York City.
After enjoying a picnic lunch on campus, students boarded the subway for their next adventure.
Experiencing the Excitement of Times Square
For some students, this trip marked their first visit to New York City. Arriving in Times Square, they experienced the energy of the city firsthand, surrounded by towering buildings, bright billboards, and bustling streets.
Students took advantage of the iconic setting to capture photographs with friends and staff before gathering for a traditional New York-style pizza dinner at John’s Pizzeria of Times Square.
Beyond sightseeing, the experience offered students an opportunity to navigate a new city, build confidence, and connect with one another outside of their usual school and program environments.
A Broadway Experience to Remember
The day’s final destination was the Lena Horne Theatre, where students attended a performance of the Broadway musical SIX.
The energetic production reimagines the stories of the six wives of Henry VIII, giving each woman a voice through contemporary music, humor, and powerful performances. Its themes of identity, independence, and women’s empowerment connected naturally with Community Bridges’ mission of developing confident young women and leaders.
Before the performance, students selected their own crowns to commemorate the experience. For many, it was their first opportunity to attend a Broadway production.
One Community Bridges senior reflected on the experience:
“My favorite part was screaming my lungs out after every song during SIX. It was my first musical and an experience I will always keep with me.”
Following the performance, several students had the opportunity to meet cast members at the stage door and have their Playbills signed, adding another special memory to an already remarkable day.
Inspiring Girls to Dream Bigger
After an early morning departure and more than 17,000 steps exploring New York City, students boarded the RMA Worldwide bus outside the theatre for their journey home.
While the day was filled with exciting activities, its greatest impact was the opportunity for students to see themselves in new spaces and imagine what their futures might hold.
One student captured the significance of the experience:
“It was my first time in New York City. Visiting Columbia and seeing my friend from Community Bridges there made me feel proud. Watching SIX was exciting too, because both the trip and the show reminded me that girls can lead and shine.”
Experiences like this are an important part of Community Bridges’ approach to college access and success. By exposing students to college campuses, cultural opportunities, and new environments, Community Bridges helps girls expand their understanding of what is possible and develop the confidence to pursue their goals.
Whether walking through the gates of Columbia University or watching powerful women take center stage on Broadway, students were reminded that their voices matter, their ambitions are valuable, and they belong wherever their dreams lead them.
Thank You to Our Partners and Staff
Community Bridges extends its sincere appreciation to Maya Johnson at Columbia University for coordinating an informative and engaging campus tour.
Special thanks also go to our valued partner, RMA Worldwide Chauffeured Transportation, and driver Mr. Terrell Allen for providing safe and comfortable transportation throughout the trip.
We are also grateful to Community Bridges staff members Shelley Sams, Courtney Fookes, Odera Ohuruogu, Yoselin Espinal Ramirez, and Jane De Angeli for accompanying students and helping make this experience possible.
At Community Bridges, we believe that when girls have opportunities to explore the world around them, they gain the confidence to imagine and pursue extraordinary futures. This New York City adventure was another reminder that our girls belong in college, in leadership, and wherever their dreams take them.