What is the Bridge to College (B2C) Program?

Bridge to College, or B2C, is a mentoring program for “first-generation” students who aspire to go to college and are interested in exploring post-secondary options. In its inaugural year, 20 teachers are paired with students in the B2C Class of 2020 to help guide them through the complex college application process. These mentors supplement the work of school counselors at the high school who are integral to the college application process for all students.

Students and families actively participate in programming workshops held year-round to help with college selection, financial aid, essay writing, test preparation and much more. They also visit local colleges and learn the ins and outs of the college admissions process.

Who are first-generation students?

We are defining “first-generation” as any student who is the first person in their immediate family to attend a four-year college in the United States. That definition could also apply to students who have an older sibling who has already gone through the college application process.

What do B2C mentors help with?

• Explaining the college planning process to students and families
• Assessing the student’s coursework, talents, strengths
• Helping students understand how their interests and abilities can connect to careers and determine what educational requirements are needed to get them there
• Assisting students in finding colleges that are a good “fit”
• Providing college entrance test preparation
• Navigating the application process, including fees, deadlines and more
• Examining financial aid opportunities, EOP and HEOP programs
• May accompany students on tours of colleges
• Connecting high school students with current college students who can explain what college life will be like
• Becoming a recognizable, friendly face in the halls of the high school

How do students connect with B2C?

Students can apply to be part of Bridge to College. The deadline for applying is generally the fall of the junior year. Apply here for the Class of 2022 cohort. Please see your counselor for information about the program.

What is the B2C timeline?

Students and families will take part in a program that spans two academic years, beginning in the junior year. The two-year program culminates in the spring of a student’s senior year.

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Bridge to College student success stories

The first Bridge to College student cohort is off to college. Join in the celebration as one of our Class of 2020 students, Josh Zheng, finds out where he will spend the next four years:

Josh Zheng, BCHS Class of 2020

Current students are also finding that Bridge to College offers more than just mentoring. See what some of our current students have to say about the college application program:

Celiann Sotodavila, BCHS Class of 2021

“Before being involved in Bridge2College I felt very overwhelmed by the college process and had no clue what to do or where to start. As a first-generation student I wasn’t able to ask my parents for help which added to my uncertainty over the whole process. With Bridge2College I was able to get a better understanding of how the college process works and what steps to take to successfully complete this process. Through this program, I was introduced to many people that I could use as helpful resources, like my mentor. Bridge2College has also helped me connect with my peers who are also first-generation students. With Bridge2College I feel less overwhelmed over the college process and I feel like I have found a community that supports me in this journey.”

Brianna Doran, BCHS Class of 2021

“I never really realized how many factors played into the college process, especially being a first-generation student. For the most part, I had to go through the process without parent input since neither of them had attended college. By joining the B2C program I’ve received a lot of support to help me get through the entire process. I’m excited about all the opportunities that are being provided to me that I didn’t know anything about.”