Bridge Builders Program

Bridge Builders

Summer and Year-Round Leadership

We’re bringing together youth from across the Greater Memphis area!

Join Bridge Builders and make an impact—on your schedule! Rising 7th–12th graders can build leadership skills through real-world experiences, mentorship, team projects, and service learning. We focus on leadership, diversity, and community action. Participants will kick off their summer at our week-long Summer Leadership Conference, then maintain the momentum throughout the year.

Apply to be a Bridge Builder today!

Apply Now!

Youth spoke and we listened!

Bridge Builders has Leveled Up its program. YOUth choose the JOURNEY that's right for them:

Level One Bridge Builder: Traditional

Enjoys the most flexibility with fewer time constraints.
Completes a minimum of 5 credits during the school year.
Explores a variety of programming focused on leadership, diversity, and community action.

Level Two Bridge Builder: Specialized

Focus on intentional knowledge and skill development.
Completes between 6 - 9 credits during the school year.
Develop skills in Business & Economic Development, Arts & Culture, or Environmental Health & Wellness tracks.
Grow peer connections through cohorts.

Level Three Bridge Builder: Advanced

Option for portfolio development summarizing learning.
Completes a minimum of 10 credits during the school year.
Intensive focus on deeper knowledge & skill development + cohort connections.
Option to choose Business & Economic Development, Arts & Culture, or Environmental Health & Wellness track- or a combination of 2 for a primary & secondary focus.
All Level Three Bridge Builders earn a certificate.

Summer 2026 Leadership Conferences dates and times:
Youth will only attend one of the summer conference sessions.

7th - 8th & 9th -10th Grade Conferences are 8am - 4pm Monday - Friday held at the BRIDGES Center
‍
11th - 12thGrade Conferene is residential held at the Univseirty of Memphis. Youth stay on the campus for that Monday - Friday.

Conference Dates
Session A: June 16 - 19
Session B: June 22 - 26
Session C: July 6 - 10
Session D: July 13 - 17

Program Fee

Annual
Household
Income

Program fee is based on a sliding scale according to household income.

Once selected, NO FAMILY is turned away because of the inability to pay. There are payment plans and fee reduction opportunities for every family.

The cost is $1,500 for a full year of programming

7^th - 10^th Grade

(One-week day conference and school year activities)

11^th- 12^th Grade

(One-week overnight conference school year activities)

Under $49,999

$50,000 to $69,999

$70,000 to $89,999

$90,000 or more

BRIDGES Pays

You Pay

$175

$275

$375

$475

$1225

$1325

$1125

$1025

BRIDGES Pays

You Pay

$275

$375

$475

$575

$1225

$1125

$1025

$925

Youth will only attend one of the summer conference weeks.

Bridge Builders influences me to be a more open-minded and understanding person so I can work better with teams to communicate my ideas and make a difference.”

12th grade participant

Bridge Builders has influenced me to speak up for what I believe in, value others’ opinions and backgrounds, and to focus on myself and well-being.”

7th grade participant

For more information on our Bridge Builders program, click here to complete our interest form, or email us at recruitment@bridgesusa.org.

Every student counts.

Young people are born with creativity and passion to lead. BRIDGES has worked with thousands of students to unlock that potential and activate new generations of leaders across Memphis.

Support our work

*Data from 2023 - 2025