Area high school students named to Furman's Bridges to a Brighter Future class

TRAVELERS REST, S.C. — Twenty-six Greenville County high school students have been invited to participate in Bridges to a Brighter Future at Furman University, a program whose mission is to give students the tools and support they need to overcome barriers, graduate from high school and enroll in college. The new class marks the 21st year of the educational outreach program.

Since the program was launched in 1997, nearly 500 Greenville County students, including the newest class, have participated in Bridges to a Brighter Future.

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“Bridges students have already demonstrated both academic and leadership potential by their ninth grade year, yet they face financial barriers or personal circumstances that may prevent them from achieving what they are truly capable of,” said Carrie Silver, newly appointed director of Bridges to a Brighter Future. “Here, students participate in life-changing experiences that help them discover who they are to build the self-confidence and resiliency they need to succeed in life.”

The 26 students were chosen this year from a pool of 95 applicants. To be considered for the program, teachers and counselors nominate high school freshmen candidates who then complete written applications and participate in interviews.

Once selected, students take part in a comprehensive, year-round program, which includes three components. Through Saturday College, students receive tutoring and community-focused activities throughout the academic year. For three consecutive summers, students attend Bridges Foundations, a four-week residential program on the Furman campus that provides students with academic and personal support. And finally, Crossing the Bridge focuses on assisting students with the college enrollment process and the transition from high school to college. In all, the Bridges program includes more than seven years of support.

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The new class will join 50 students already in the high school component of the program, bringing the total to 76 current Bridges students.

Students named as part of Bridges to a Brighter Future’s 21st class are:

Travelers Rest High School: Isaiah Carr, Taytum Bryson

Berea High School: Zion Robinson

Berea High School/Star Academy: Maria Felix-Maldonado

Blue Ridge High School: Angel Ferreira

Brashier Charter High School: Sherri Castillo

Carolina High School: Olmin Garcia, Zackary Gann

Eastside High School: Britany Bonilla-Martinez, Jesus Cruz

Greenville Early College: Juanesha Wilson

Greenville High School: Summer Young

Greenville Technical Charter High School: Jack Nelson, Andres Ospina

Greer High School: Carlton Richardson

Hillcrest High School: Nichole LaMarche, Kadian Patterson

JL Mann High School: Donia Soryal

Legacy Charter School: Zharia Anderson

Mauldin High School: Cordazha Washington, Kendaija Witt

Riverside High School: David Valencia

Southside High School: Alexia Porcher

Wade Hampton High School: Sheyla Maldonado-Barahona, Solomon Troupe

Woodmont High School: Kerry Black

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