Bridges Project for Education
112-A Alexander Street
Taos
NM
87571
Contact Name:
Joleen Mondye
Contact Email:
Program Description:
In 1997, Pamela Shepard and Rebeca Romero Rainey mobilized a group of concerned citizens and educators to respond to the extremely low number of college graduates in northern New Mexico. Recognizing that Taos County's future is directly linked with our ability to educate our young people, Bridges Project for Education was formed to provide more opportunities for students to attend college or vocational schools. Bridges is the only organization in Taos County whose primary purpose is to provide comprehensive college counseling. Bridges has worked individually with over 2,000 students and their families helping them research colleges, write application essays, register for college entrance exams and locate financial aid and scholarships. Bridges works with anyone who is interested in pursuing postsecondary education at any stage of the college and/or financial aid application process.
Established:
1997
Number of Students Served:
250 annually
Funding:
Foundations, individuals, businesses
Mission Statement:
Bridges' mission is to expand college access for students of all ages, with an emphasis on first-generation students.
Objectives:
Our goal is to help more first-generation, low-income and minority students overcome college access barriers that historically prevent them from pursuing degrees. Bridges strives to help students avoid unnecessary debt and increase their awareness of the federal and local funds they qualify for. Individual college counseling is at the heart of what we do: we help students and families apply to colleges and locate financial aid and scholarships. We augment our counseling with community education programs including our annual college fair and alumni panels. Bridges also presents financial aid workshops that directly address parent concerns and provide them with relevant information that will help them guide their families through the process in an informed manner. Additionally, Bridges works with schools to support guidance counselors who have exceedingly large caseloads and can’t spend as much time as they would like on college advisement.
Specialty:
Free, individualized, comprehensive college counseling
Minimum GPA:
none
Male:
40%
Female:
60%
First Generation:
60%
Two Year:
40%
Four Year:
60%
Hispanic/Latino (including Spain):
60%
American Indian or Alaska Native:
8%
Asian:
1%
Black or African American:
1%
White (Including Middle Eastern):
30%