Welcome Dean McBride! - · PDF fileThis report was written by Jeff Jenson, ... hundreds of...

This report was written by Jeff Jenson, Ph.D., the Philip D. and Eleanor G. Winn Endowed Professor for Children and Youth in the Graduate School of Social Work (GSSW) at the University of Denver. Data were collected, compiled, and analyzed by research assistants Jacqueline Tejada, Jason St. Mary, Lauren Bell, and Chris Veeh. Thanks to Jesse Burne, Miranda Cook, Helen Peirce, Phuong Phan, and other Bridge Project staff who provided information and data necessary to complete this report. Thanks, too, to our local partners and volunteers for their ongoing support of our participants. Finally, thanks to Eric Meredith and Fedra Carina Meredith of Atria Brand for their invaluable assistance in the design and production of the report.

AcknowledgementsA Message from the Executive Director and Board of DirectorsIntroductionMission, Vision, and Core ValuesOrganizational StructureVolunteer SupportProgram Partnerships and CollaborationsProgram Partner Profile: Western State Colorado University Bridge Project Program ModelGuiding FrameworksFunder Spotlight: Office of Children AffairsProgram ParticipationCelebrating our Partnerships!Scholarship Program ParticipationProgram ImpactAdvisory Board

356789

10121314161720212227

2 3

Table of Contents Acknowledgements

Welcome Dean McBride!Amanda Moore McBride, PhD joined the Graduate School of Social Work (GSSW) at the University of Denver in summer 2016 after being affiliated with Washington University in St. Louis for 23 years. Dean McBride is an internationally recognized expert in civic engagement and is a leader in the field of community engagement in higher education. Her research has focused on national

service, service learning, and international volunteering. She is a celebrated teacher and mentor, having been awarded numerous recognitions in these areas. Dean McBride is excited about the unique collaboration between the Bridge Project and GSSW. She says, “The Bridge Project is a powerful community engagement engine for GSSW. As an evidence-based intervention, it produces a high-return on investment. The Bridge Project is exactly as its name conveys: the program is an important bridge to a productive future for hundreds of young people in Denver.”

We are pleased to welcome Dean Amanda Moore McBride to the Bridge Project and the University of Denver!

BRI0117-2015/16 AR (FINAL).indd 3-4 2/9/17 7:04 PM

Dear Bridge Project Community,

We are excited to share the progress and milestones of the Bridge Project through the 2015-2016 annual report. It was an eventful year, which included the transition of Dr. James Herbert Williams as he concluded his tenure as Dean of the Graduate School of Social Work. We thank him for his leadership over the past nine years as he was instrumental in helping the Bridge Project become a more celebrated and integral part of the University of Denver. We welcome Dean Amanda Moore McBride, as her leadership and expertise has already supported us as we continue to grow and serve youth in Denver’s public housing communities.

It was a year that included the strengthening of previous partnerships, as well as developing new collaborations, further enhancing the Bridge Project mission. The City of Denver chose the Bridge Project for a site visit with Mayor Michael Hancock as he met with students and staff on July 15th, to raise awareness of afterschool programs. A new partnership was forged with Western Colorado State University, who sponsored a group of 36 Bridge high school students to visit the campus which included an overnight stay. The Bridge Project was one of eight organizations chosen to be a Denver Afterschool Alliance Demonstration Project site. The Quigg Newton site completed the two year Demonstration Project where they participated in all components including the YPQI (Youth Program Quality Intervention), external coaching, and other support services. Bridge was asked to serve as a mentor organization, as it will advise other agencies on how to improve quality and effectiveness of services. Finally, Bridge was selected by the Colorado Health Foundation as a grant recipient to further develop and expand the Youth Engaged in Leadership and Learning (YELL) program to serve 60 middle school students. The YELL program, led by Dr. Yoli Anyon in the Graduate School of Social Work, supports youth in developing action oriented advocacy skills, which helps them address challenges they identify in their school and community.

We extend our gratitude and appreciation to all partners, staff and board members, volunteers and donors. It’s truly through the support of the Bridge Project community, that we are able to provide transformative opportunities for students to grow and become successful, self-sufficient, young adults. We look forward to the year ahead and thank you for your support.

Sincerely,

Robyn Donahue Jesse BurneAdvisory Board Chair Assistant Professor of the Practice and Executive Director

4 5

A Message from the Executive Director and Board of Directors


The Bridge Project is a community outreach program of the Graduate School of Social Work at the University of Denver. The program was created in 1991 through a collaboration involving community representatives and faculty members at the University of Denver. Program activities at the Bridge Project aim to reduce educational barriers and improve academic and behavioral outcomes for children residing in four Denver public housing communities. Program components include structured curricula that seek to increase participants’ literacy, math, and science skills. Academic tutoring, technology training, and social and emotional skill development are also offered to all Bridge Project students. The Denver Housing Authority provides space for each of the four Bridge Project sites. Renovation, equipment, and program costs are provided by private funds and in-kind contributions from the Denver community, as well as grant dollars from local, state, and federal funding entities. The program serves approximately 500 children and youth annually.

Mission

The mission of the Bridge Project is to provide a path for youth in Denver’s public housing neighborhoods to graduate from high school and go on to attend college or choose a vocation by engaging them in educational opportunities and facilitating the development of life skills and self- sufficiency.

Vision

All youth in Denver’s public housing neighborhoods choose to be self-sufficient and contributing members of our community.

Core Values

Safety: Creating a space that is conducive to physical and emotional security

Personal Connection: Facilitating, nurturing, and modeling meaningful one-to-one relationships with significant others and the community

Inclusivity: Recognizing and respecting the value, worth, dignity, and differences of every individual

Social Justice: Recognizing and engaging local neighborhoods in meaningful participation and equal opportunity

Accountability: Owning one’s responsibilities, commitments, and actions

6 7

Mission, Vission and Core ValuesIntroduction


The Graduate School of Social Work (GSSW) at the University of Denver has fiduciary responsibility for the Bridge Project. The dean of GSSW is responsible for general oversight; an executive director oversees day-to-day operations of the Bridge Project. Program site directors, administrative assistants, educational specialists, and a volunteer manager, budget and operations manager, and development director are among the other key staff positions at the Bridge Project.

The Bridge Advisory Board and the Emeritus Board play active roles in policy, fundraising, and program expansion decisions. Graduate student interns and research assistants from GSSW are involved in program activities and in evaluation projects. A faculty member in GSSW is appointed as the Philip D. and Eleanor G. Winn Endowed Professor for Children and Youth to conduct and oversee research and evaluation activities at the Bridge Project. Dr. Jeff Jenson is the current Winn Professor.

Volunteer SpotlightService-Learning with the Bridge Project

Since 2011 Dr. Paula Cole, Teaching Assistant Professor in the University of Denver’s Department of Economics, and her undergraduate students in an economics course on caring and education have engaged in service-learning with the Bridge Project. Through fostering relationships with Bridge students, staff, and parents, University of Denver undergraduate students have led community breakfasts, enhanced end-of-the-school year celebrations, contributed to fundraising efforts, facilitated community service projects, provided unique learning opportunities, hosted Bridge students on DU’s campus, provided opportunities to improve college and career readiness, served as tutors, and most importantly built relationships as college students with Bridge students.

The partnership offers so many benefits to both the students at DU and the participants at Bridge. The DU students gain real-world experience in building communication skills, acting as leaders, developing time and project management skills, and collaborating across cultures. They experience first-hand the realities of income inequality, caring, privilege, and immigration. For Bridge participants, they build connections with college students, participate in memorable activities focused on community and the value of education, receive additional tutoring support, and engage with different cultures.

8 9

Volunteer SupportOrganizational Structure

Bridge Project Organizational Chart, 2015-2016

Bridge Project Advisory Board

Bridge Project Professor Research & Evaluation

Jeff Jenson

Executive Director Jesse Burne

Marketing Manager Helen Peirce

Associate Director

Miranda Cook

Director of Volunteers and

Tutors Phuong Phan Elem. Ed.

Coordinator / Ed. Specialist @ COL

Jacquelyn Scranton

Pre-Collegiate and Scholarship

Coordinator Kimberly Lord

University of Denver GSSW Dean

Amanda Moore McBride

DU Board of Trustees

Site Director @ Westwood Shannon

Hea

Budget & Operations Manager

Rob Sutton

Site Director @ Lincoln Park /

La Alma Sergio

Colmenero

Education Specialist

@ QN Chris

Kerecman

Administrative Coordinator Joan McGill

Education Specialist

@ LP / LA Dianna

Flamenco

Education Specialist @ WW Rachel Nelson

Administrative Assistant

Marcus Archuleta

Youth Voice Coordinator

Megan Miccio Site

Director @ Columbine

Daniela Acosta

Site Director @

Quigg Newton Marissa

Fox

Bridge Project

Volunteer Tutors

Administrative Assistant Juliana

Sandoval-Tovar

Administrative Assistant

Mallory Scheu

Administrative Assistant Jeannette Alvarez

Youth and Health Education Case

Manager Asawer Alhilo

Associate Director of Development

MaryBeth Lawson

University of Denver

Advancement

University of Denver students, members of the advisory and emeritus boards, and private citizens provide volunteer support to Bridge Project staff members, program activities, and special events. As shown below, 443 volunteers participated in program activities and events in 2015-2016. Three hundred and thirty individuals provided volunteer support to tutoring and homework help programs in the past year.

Volunteerism at the Bridge Project provides a significant financial contribution to program activities. An independent estimate of the dollar value of volunteerism in Colorado is $25.96 per hour. Based on this figure, volunteers at the Bridge Project contributed in-kind services totaling $125,785 through 6,251 hours of participation in the program’s intervention activities in 2015-16.

PROGRAM VOLUNTEERS HOURS FINANCIALVALUE

296

34

16

97

973

Volunteer Activities by Program Activity

TUTORS

HOMEWORK HELPERS

MENTORING

OTHER VOLUNTEER SUPPORTservice learning students, participant volunteers, others who helped

at events or organized around the site, and Center forStudent Missions Volunteers

Total

3957.75

328.13

244.75

1720.81

6251.44

$101,635.02

$8,426.38

$1,958.00

$13,766.48

$125,785.88

1Source for $25.96: Independent Sector, http://independentsector.org/uploads/resources/ValueofVolunteerTimebyState2001-2015.pdf 2Source for $8.31: State of Colorado Department of Labor & Employment, https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdle/node/19951


The Bridge Project uses a network of community partners to offer innovative services to children and families. These partners make it possible to deliver an integrated set of programs and services to children and families.

COMMUNITY COLLABORATIONS

• Colorado Mentoring Partnership• Denver After School Alliance

• Denver College Attainment Network • Denver Quality Afterschool Connection (DQUAC)

• Denver Urban Scholars

KEY PARTNERSHIPS

UNIVERSITY OF DENVER: Graduate School of Social WorkDENVER HOUSING AUTHORITY

THE BINNING FAMILY FOUNDATIONMIRACLES ON ICE

Corporate PartnersAvison Young

Bayswater Exploration & Production, LLCBerkeley Homes

First National DenverImage Projections West (IPW)

IntelliSourceJordy Construction

Jordy Carter FurnishingsNorthwestern MutualRose Medical Center

Rubin BrownSaunders Construction

TIAA-CREFW.G. Nielsen & Company

Foundation PartnersThe Anschutz Foundation

The Daniels FundThe Denver Foundation

Denver Post Charities/McCormick FoundationMile High United Way

Rose Community FoundationSalah FoundationSprout Foundation

Temple Hoyne Buell FoundationWomen’s Foundation of Colorado

CORPORATE PARTNERS AND FOUNDATION PARTNERS

10 11

Program Partnerships and Collaborations

• ArtReach• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Colorado• Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro Denver• Boy Scouts• Center for the Visual Arts• CHAC (Chicano Arts Council)• Clayton Early Learning• Colorado Ballet• CSU Extension• The Delta Society – Pet Partners Program

• Denver Center for the Performing Arts• Denver Public Library• Dr. Knecht’s Robotics• Girl Scouts of America• Goodwill Industries• Mirror Image Arts• Regis University • Smart-Girl/Smart-Guy• University of Denver (FESM & Pioneer Leadership)• Write our World

PROGRAM PARTNERSThe following partners provided engaging enrichment programming and support to

Bridge Project participants in the past year!


12 13

Bridge Project Program ModelProgram Partnership ProfileWestern State Colorado University

The Bridge Project uses three programs to provide educational support and opportunities to children, youth, and young adults.

Programs Offered by the Bridge Project

• An After-School Program that provides academic support and positive social development programs for children from kindergarten to early adulthood.

• A Scholarship Program that provides supplemental tuition scholarships and other support to students attending local colleges, universities, and trade schools.

• A Summer Program that offers children and youth opportunities to participate in literacy, STEM, health and wellness programming, as well as experiential learning trips throughout the city and state.

The Bridge Project developed a new partnership with Western State Colorado University in Gunnison in 2015 - 2016. Western State provides a comprehensive offering of undergraduate and graduate degrees to approximately 3,000 students. As part of its outreach program, Western State sent staff to Bridge Project sites to speak to high school students about the college application process.

Leaders of Western State worked with Bridge Project staff to create a campus trip for 36 high school students. Beyond a typical campus tour, Western State developed a comprehensive program over the course of two days in which Bridge Project students met faculty, student groups, and alumni. Students also had the opportunity to attend interactive activities and stay overnight in on-campus dormitories. Western State covered the full cost of meals, bus transportation, and lodging. Bridge Project students emerged from this experience feeling excited about Western State and about attending college in general.

The Bridge Project extends its gratitude to Western State Colorado University for their generosity and interest in our students!


Program activities and interventions in each of the Bridge Project programs are guided by the theoretical models of risk and protection and positive youth development.

Risk and Protection

Bridge Project interventions are based partially on knowledge of the risk and protective factors that increase or

reduce the likelihood of a young person becoming involved in problem behaviors like school dropout, substance abuse, or juvenile delinquency. Common risk and protective factors are shown below.

Positive Youth Development

Positive youth development (PYD) models seek to enhance the positive traits and resources in a young person’s life. PYD advocates suggest that healthy development is characterized by responsibility, connectedness, and positive values. These principles are reflected in the 5 Cs of healthy development.

At the Bridge Project, we strive to integrate principles of risk, protection, and positive youth development by providing interventions that enhance the fundamental principles of PYD while also acknowledging the risk and protective factors present in the lives of young people.

The 5Cs of Positive Youth Development

COMPETENCEBridge participants will demonstrate skills independently in the areas of social, cognitive, academic, health, and vocation

CONFIDENCEChildren and youth at Bridge will develop self-worth, positive self-esteem, and a sense of ownership

CONNECTIONParticipants will develop meaningful relationships within Bridge and the larger community

CHARACTERChildren and youth will demonstrate leadership and civic engagement with a focus on positive behaviors and future goals

CARING AND COMPASSIONParticipants will look outside themselves and develop the notion of human rights, empathy, and respect for the environment and for all living things

Adapted from Lerner, Fisher and Weinberg (2000)

Common RISK FACTORS for Childhood and Adolescent Problems by Level of Influence

INDIVIDUAL FACTORSSensation-seeking orientation

Poor impulse controlAttention deficits

Hyperactivity

INTERPERSONAL & SOCIAL FACTORSFamily communication and conflict

Poor parent-child bondingPoor family management practices

Family alcohol and drug useSchool failure

Low commitment to schoolRejection by conforming peer groups

Association with antisocial peers

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORSLaw and norms favorable to anti-social behavior

PovertyLimited economic opportunityNeighborhood disorganizationLow neighborhood attachment

Common PROTECTIVE FACTORS for Childhood and Adolescent Problems by Level of Influence

INDIVIDUAL FACTORSSocial and problem solving skills

Positive attitudeTemperament

High intelligenceLow childhood stress

INTERPERSONAL & SOCIAL FACTORSAttachment to parents

Caring relationships with siblingsLow parental conflict

High levels of commitment to schoolInvolvement in conventional activitiesBelief in pro-social norms and values

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORSOpportunities for education, employment, and

other pro-social activitiesCaring relationships with adults or extended

family membersSocial support from non-family members

Adapted from Jenson and Fraser (2015)14 15

Guiding Frameworks


The Office of Children’s Affairs (OCA) was created when Michael Hancock was elected Mayor of the City of Denver in 2011. A top priority for the OCA is to streamline how city agencies, Denver public schools, and community organizations work together to better serve children and youth through out-of-school time (OST) programs that keep kids safe, help working families, strengthen student engagement and support student success. One avenue the OCA has taken is to provide funding opportunities for youth-serving organizations that provide afterschool and summer programming. The Bridge Project has been a recipient of this funding stream for the past 4 years. The OCA grants have offered the Bridge Project the following opportunities:

• Increase summer programming across all 4 Bridge sites from half-day to full day comprehensive programming that includes Literacy, STEM and Health and Wellness.

• Provided an opportunity for 4th-9th grade boys across all 4 sites to participate in a week long outdoor program designed for boys of color to positively interact with adult males and their peers to dialogue about experiences as boys of color as well as set goals and learn how to make a positive impact on their communities through service and mentorship.

• Provided 4th-8th grade youth increased opportunities for experiential STEM activities such as robotics, coding and project based-engineering projects.

• Staff training to implement a Healthy Lifestyles program curriculum geared towards 4th-8th graders that integrates activities to promote healthy life choices and goal-setting.

The Bridge Project would like to express its appreciation to OCA for its support to the Bridge Project and OST programs across the city of Denver!

CHILD AND YOUTH PARTICIPANTS

Four hundred and twenty-four children and youth participated in a minimum of five hours of Bridge Project programming across all four locations in 2015-2016. The Lincoln Park site served 115 youth; Westwood, Columbine, and Quigg Newton locations served 209, 99, and 117 children and youth respectively.

Bridge Project students averaged approximately 11 years of age. Fifty-one percent of all participants were female and 49 percent were male. Forty-four percent of all participants were Black or African-American, 30 percent were Latina or Latino, 15 percent were Asian-American, 4 percent were multi-racial, 4 percent were White, and 3 percent were Native-American.

Activities at the Bridge Project reach some of Denver’s most vulnerable children and adults. Families of four who are served by the program have average annual incomes of less than $8,490, a figure that is far lower than the federal poverty rate of $23,000 for a household of the same size.

16 17

Funder SpotlightOffice of Children’s Affairs Program Participation

PARTICIPANTS DEMOGRAPHICS 2015-2016

Latina or Latino

30%

Black or

African-American

44%

Asian-American

15%

Native-American

3%

White or Caucasian

4%

Multi-Racial

4%


18 19

Student participation in each Bridge Project program area is shown below. Involvement is broken down by specific program component in an effort to better understand how frequently children and youth participate in different Bridge Project activities.

The Bridge Project program model includes a wide variety of intervention components. Academic and technology programs aim to increase participants’ skills and self-confidence to be successful in school. Three-hundred and fifty-eight children and youth participated in homework help sessions during the academic year; 258 participants attended regular tutoring sessions. Literacy training is an important focus of academic programs at the Bridge Project; 127 students attended ReadWell classes in 2015-2016. Two hundred and ninety-two students attended STEM classes in the past year, an important academic focus of Bridge Project activities.

One hundred and sixty-three elementary school students participated in the Second Step social and emotional skills training curriculum in 2015-2016. This program seeks to improve children’s social, cognitive, and behavioral skills through participation in weekly group activities. Forty-five Bridge Project middle school students attended the Youth Engaged in Leadership and Learning (YELL) program. Fifty-four high school students participated in structured graduation preparation classes in the past year.

SUMMER PROGRAM SCHEDULE

2nd – 3rd 4th – 5th 6th – 8thK -1stTime

9:00-9:30

9:30-10:30

10:30-11:30

11:30-12:30

12:30-1:30

1:30-2:30

2:30-3:00

Snack Time

ReadWell/GR8 Readers

Enrichment

Lunch

Recreation/H&W

Computers

Snack Time

Snack Time

Enrichment

ReadWell/GR8 Readers

Lunch

Computers

Recreation/H&W

Snack Time

Snack Time

Recreation/H&W

Computers

Lunch

STEM/YOBOD

Enrichment

Snack Time

Snack Time

Computers

Recreation/H&W

Lunch

Enrichment

STEM/YOBOD

Snack Time

SUMMER PROGRAM PARTICIPATION

The Bridge Project Summer Program offers opportunities for children and youth to participate in comprehensive, full-day programming that includes literacy, STEM, and health and wellness enrichment activities. Activities emphasize the importance of maintaining and increasing literacy skills during the summer months when children and youth are in jeopardy of experiencing a decline in reading ability.

Two hundred and sixty-eight elementary and middle school students participated in the eight-week summer program. Youth participated in five programming blocks that included academic instruction; enrichment activities; recreation; health and wellness experiences; and STEM-focused project based learning activities that included building catapults, flying machines, and robotics. Weekly experiential field trips included visits to the Denver Botanic Gardens, Rural Farm, Elitch Gardens, three Denver museums, and local fire stations and libraries. Students also participated in the Youth One Book, One Denver program; youth read and met the author of the book Book Scavenger and attended several “meet-the-author” events.

The Bridge Project developed and hosted an inaugural six-week High School Summer Program in 2016. Twenty high school students met weekly and participated in college and career readiness activities such as mock interviews, resume building, and application assistance. In partnership with ArtReach, summer participants also had the opportunity to discuss and identify and express social justice concerns through art.

AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM PARTICIPATION

PROGRAM PARTICIPATION IN 2015-2016

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

400


The Scholarship Program at the Bridge Project provides the opportunity for high school graduates to attend college, a university, or vocational training program. In the past year Bridge awarded $125,000 in scholarships to its students in support of their college education. The program also experienced a new milestone as 100% of seniors at the Bridge Project graduated from high school, compared to 91% the previous year. This rate also stands in stark contrast to the district average of 64% for all students across Denver.

Bridge students also participated in programming that further assisted them in preparing for a post-secondary path. Some examples include a networking day where they met professionals from various industries to gain insight on career paths, to each student using a Steps to Success portfolio which helps them track their progress towards life beyond high school. Over fifty young-adults were enrolled in higher education institutions this past year.

Miracles on Ice™:Celebrating 10 Years!The summer of 2016 marked the 10th year of the Miracles on Ice Hockey Camp. Miracles on Ice is a one-week summer camp for 9-11 year-old boys and girls aimed at teaching basic hockey skills by providing classroom sessions, outdoor dry land training, and motivational speakers. Thirty-two Bridge Project children were supplied with equipment, transportation, and meals in 2016.

Miracles on Ice was created by Leslie and Gary Howard as an initiative of the Howard Family Foundation. Ten years ago, Leslie & Gary combined their passions for sports with a strong desire to improve the lives of inner city youth and founded the Miracles on Ice camp in partnership with the Bridge Project and the University of Denver’s Division of Athletics and Recreation. The Howards’ wanted to make a positive impact early in children’s lives and to do so in a way that combined their passion for athletics and education.

Many ask: why hockey? According to Leslie, “hockey is not a sport that is easily accessible to children and youth at the Bridge Project. By the end of the week, they have a huge sense of accomplishment after learning something that is completely new to them. The camp teaches children to get out of their comfort zones and pushes them to grow.” Leslie and Gary are quick to point out that hockey is just the carrot to get them to camp. Gary says, “we feel it is important to include an educational component in Miracles on Ice, as both academics and athletics emphasize values like perseverance, confidence, and hard work. To us, both elements are essential!”

The daily schedule includes two or three ice sessions, dry land training, math classes, motivational speakers, and team building exercises. After a week of training, the kids take the ice for a final scrimmage and walk away with a lifetime of memories, skills, and accomplishments. “We have seen enemies become friends, we have seen the shy kids become leaders, we have seen kids stretch themselves in reading and math classes, we have seen incredible team work on the ice, and in the classroom and we have seen 50 volunteers bond with 32 boys and girls they never knew before the start of camp on a Monday,” says Leslie.

Thanks to the Gary and Leslie Howard Family Foundation for making hockey camp such an important part of the Bridge Project summer program. Congratulations on your 10-year anniversary!

To learn more about MOI visit:www.miraclesonicecamps.com

20 21

Celebrating Our Partnerships Scholarship Program Participation

Adams State University

Colorado State University

Community College(Denver, Aurora, Arapahoe & RR)

Emily Griffith Opportunity School

Johnson and Wales

Metro State University

Red Rocks Community College

Regis University

University of Colorado at Boulder

University of Colorado atColorado Springs

University of Colorado Denver

University of Denver

University of Northern Colorado

Western State Colorado University

Bridge Scholars Currently Attend:


A Comparison-Group Design

Several approaches are used to assess the impact of Bridge Project programs and activities on the lives of young people. Measures from Denver Public Schools (DPS) are used to examine changes in reading performance, attendance, and end-of-year proficiency in math, reading, and science between the fall and spring of the academic year. In addition, surveys administered to participants are used to assess changes in social and emotional learning skills, youth leadership, and positive youth development between fall and spring.

Evaluation findings at the Bridge Project are strengthened by the addition of a comparison group of 250 young people who are living in public housing neighborhoods not served by the Bridge Project or another afterschool program. Academic measures are obtained for all Bridge Project participants and youth in the comparison group. Analyses are then conducted to compare academic measures between youth in the program and a comparable group of young people from non-Bridge Project public housing communities.

Findings

ACADEMIC PERFORMANCEBridge Project participants had significantly higher rates of attendance, fewer discipline referrals in school, and higher end-of-year achievement ratings in science and math than students in the comparison group.

READING SKILLSThe Developmental Reading Assessment (DRA_2) is used by Denver Public Schools to evaluate reading skills among students in grades kindergarten to five.

Reading scores among Bridge Project participants increased significantly during the school year, with youth improving an average of 3.1 DRA_2 reading levels between fall of 2015 and spring of 2016. Youth in the comparison group improved an average of 1.9 DRA-2 reading levels during this time.

Bridge Project students attended school significantly more often than youth in the comparison group in 2015-2016. Children and youth receiving services at the Bridge Project, on average, attended 94 percent of school days compared to 89 percent for youth in the comparison group.

One-hundred percent of Bridge Project seniors graduated from high school, compared to 63% of students in the comparison group.

Seven percent of Bridge Project students, compared to 14 percent of youth in the comparison group, were suspended from school for behavior problems in2015-2016.

22 23

Program Impact


24 25

SOCIAL, EMOTIONAL, AND DEVELOPMENTAL SKILLSSecond Step ProgramThe Second Step social and emotional learning program was used to teach social, cognitive, and behavioral skills to Bridge Project elementary school students in 2015-2016. An evidence-based program, Second Step uses a structured curriculum that includes 28 weekly sessions aimed at improving children’s problem solving, empathy, and emotional regulation skills. Curriculum sessions also emphasize core academic skills designed to strengthen studying, cooperative learning, apprehension, and reading skills. Second Step is an interactive program in which children and trainers act-out and practice specific skill steps in small groups.

Program staff rated students’ skills on the Devereux Student Strengths Assessment—Second Step (DESSA-SSE) in the fall and spring of 2015-2016.

Bridge Project students in the Second Step Program significantly increased their listening, self-talk, assertiveness, problem solving, emotion management, and empathy skills between fall of 2015 and spring of 2016.

POSITIVE YOUTH DEVELOPMENTThe 5 C’s of positive youth development – competence, confidence, connection, character, and caring and compassion – were assessed using an instrument developed by the evaluation team. Changes in the 5 C’s were assessed between fall 2015 and spring 2016. Overall scores on a composite measure of all 5 C’s increased between the beginning and end of the school year.

A Spotlight on Youth Voice Programming atthe Bridge Project!

Since 2012, GSSW Professor Yoli Anyon has partnered with the Bridge Project to strengthen middle school students’ engagement skills and prepare them to be active decision-makers in their communities. Through two youth voice programs, currently facilitated by GSSW graduate students, Bridge Project participants gain experience and skills in youth leadership, advocacy, and research.

GRADE ACHIEVEMENT IN MATH, READING, AND SCIENCEGrade achievement is assessed by classroom teachers and provides an overall rating of students’ academic status in math, reading, and science. Grade achievement data were obtained from Denver Public Schools for Bridge Project participants and for youth in the comparison group at the end of the 2016 academic year.

Bridge Project students had higher rates of proficiency in all subject areas than youth in the comparison group. Fifty-one percent of Bridge Project participants received ratings of proficient or advanced in reading compared to 47% of youth in the comparison group. Fifty-two percent of Bridge Project students, compared to 42% of comparison group students, were rated as proficient or advanced math. Seventy-four percent of Bridge Project youth and 63% of youth in the comparison group received ratings of proficient or advanced in 2015-16.

GRADE ACHIEVEMENT IN MATH, READING, AND SCIENCE FOR BRIDGE PROJECTAND COMPARISON GROUP STUDENTS

Numbers indicate the percentage of youth who scored proficient or above in each subject.

51%

52%

74%

47%

42%

63%


Robyn DonahueChair of the BoardPresident and CEOIntelliSource

Keith ArnoldImage Projections West, Inc.Owner

Geri Bader SaltzmanOwnerBader and Company

Lynn BelcherBayswater Exploration & Production, LLCChief Operating Officer

Alec WynnePrincipal – Managing DirectorAvison Young

Charles Jordy, Jr.PresidentJordy Construction

Lynn KorusCommunity Member & Volunteer

W. Blake NielsenVice President – Analytical GroupW.G. Nielsen & Co.

Chris TierneyVice President, OriginationA10 Capital

Amanda Moore McBride, PhDDean and ProfessorUniversity of Denver – GSSW

Fred ThibodeauRetired/Husband of DU Chancellor

Craig KnobbePartnerMoye White, LLP

Kerry Moreland, MSWCommunity Member

*Note all board members donated last year.

Youth Engaged in Leadership and Learning (YELL). Middle school participants lead action research projects by gathering information about community issues, creating products that outline their findings, and sharing their work with local stakeholders. Throughout this process, students learn competencies necessary to understand issues of inequality, develop recommendations that target the root causes of social problems, and take action to implement their ideas. Approximately 40 youth have completed the program each year, with a majority of participants continuing their involvement across multiple years. During the 2015-2016 year, products included a documentary video about islamophobia, a photo exhibit about cultural bullying, a video diary about why people join gangs, and a presentation on human trafficking.

Youth Action Board (YAB). Two YELL representatives from each site were selected for an inaugural Bridge Project Youth Action Board in 2015-16. The board is responsible for making program improvement recommendations, aligning YELL projects, coordinating advocacy efforts, and planning collective actions across the four sites. As part of this work, the YAB organized a city-wide youth leadership summit in which YELL participants shared findings and recommendations from their site-based projects with each other and local stakeholders. The primary objective of the YAB is to strengthen Bridge’s capacity to incorporate youth voice into organizational decision-making.

Results. YELL participants had significantly greater skills in planning and leading activities, making rules, and being in charge of doing something to help the community than adolescents at the Bridge Project who did not participate in YELL activities. YELL students also reported significantly higher levels of adult support, characterized by the presence of caring and supportive relationships with Bridge Project staff.

Summary

Education and social work services provided by Bridge Project staff and volunteers positively affected more than 500 children, youth, and families in four of Denver’s highest risk neighborhoods in 2015-2016. Bridge Project participants showed significant improvements in literacy skills, social and emotional skills, leadership attributes, and positive youth development between the fall of 2015 and the spring of 2016.

Comparison group analyses revealed that Bridge Project participants experienced greater improvements in reading, had higher end-of-year achievement scores in math, science, and reading, fewer suspensions, and higher rates of attendance than a comparison group of youth living in other Denver public housing neighborhoods. Particularly noteworthy in 2015-2016 was a finding revealing that 100% of Bridge Project high school seniors graduated from high school with their class cohorts.

26 27

Advisory Board


CORPORATE GIVING

America’s CharitiesAvison Young (USA) IncorporationBaere Brewing CompanyBayswater Exploration & Production, LLCBoise Cascade CompanyBuilder Sourcing Corporation LLCCaisson Investments IncChubb and Son IncCoBiz FinancialColorado Business BankColorado Classic CabinetsCommittee for ChildrenContract Cabling, LLCCostco Wholesale #468Denver Astronomical SocietyDependable CleanersDirect Lumber Direct DoorFirst NationalFive Star Plumbing & Heating LLCGreat-West FinancialGreenberg Traurig, LLPHercules IndustriesHeritage Title CompanyHomeAdvisor, IncorporationImage Projections West, Inc.IntelliSource Colorado LLCJohns Manville CorporationJordy ConstructionJordy/ Carter FurnishingsLexmark International, IncLSB CorporationMoye White LLPOffice DepotOlson & Olson, Ltd.Palisade Partners LLCPhillips 66 CompanyPinkTank LLCProvident Construction, Inc.Rocky Mountain Research & Prevention Inst.RubinBrown LLPSaddleback Design, IncorporatedSaunders Construction, Inc.Shea Properties Management Company, IncorporationSocial Security Adminstration - Littleton, COStaples Foundation for Learning, Inc.Swanson & Bratschun LLCSWAT Franchise Development, LLCThe Center for Students Missions IncThe Chocolate TherapistThe Orange Crunch Food Truck and CateringThe Tovani Group, IncorporationTIAA-CREFTruistUMB Bank, N.A.Unique Properties, LLCUSI Colorado, LLCWild Bird Center of DenverWorkplace Resource

FOUNDATION GIVING

Arent Charitable FoundationBuell FoundationColorado Health FoundationCommunity First FoundationDenver Post Charities a McCormick Foundation FundDenver Post Community FoundationEl Pomar FoundationEnterprise Holdings FoundationFeiner Family Foundation of ColoradoGary & Leslie Howard Family FoundationH5 FoundationJohn and Carrie Hayden Family FoundationKinder Morgan FoundationMile High United WayPerlmutter Family FoundationRobert L. Belcher Family FoundationRose Community FoundationRubinBrown Charitable FoundationSending Support Charitable FoundationStrear Family Foundation Inc.Sutherland Foundation, Inc.The 11-10-02 FoundationThe PeyBack FoundationThe Sprout Foundation, Inc.United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, IncorporationValley of the Sun United WayYouth Opportunity Foundation

INDIVIDUAL GIVING

Armin Afsahi and Joe EklundAnonymousHusain Mohamed Ahmed H AlQaseerKevin Charles AndersonMichael AndersonRenee AndersonRobert B. AndersonJeff L. and Julie S. AndrewsLynn M. AndrewsAnonymousScott AnselLiza M. AntonySteve ArentKathleen D. and Peter C. ArmstrongKara M. ArnoldAnonymousGeraldine R. Bader Saltzman and Meyer M. SaltzmanCatherine Jane BarbeeCarol BarringtonFrancis Brian BarronAnne Basye-HarrisAmy BattlesSandra and Brian D. BeattyTricia Becker-Hafnor and Adam BeckerLiz BeermanMichael W. BeermannMargarete Elise BehmLynn S. and Lori Belcher

Thank YouTo Our 2015-2016 Donors and Friends

Elizabeth A. BennettKaren J. Bensen and Cindy J. DeimJennifer Allison BermanRegina A. and Charles L. BiedermanThomas W. and Naomi BinningVictoria BittiLarry V. BombenPaul Lewis and Lacey E. BooksAleksandra BraticDavid BrewsterLisa K. BrunnerMarti Lee BrustSherry H. Buell*Temple H. Buell*Stephen W. BuretzJesse Brandon BurneBenjamin Daniel BurnsMark R. CalhounMolly Ann CalhounBruce CarterCandis M. CebulaManuel CharoPatricia CharoMichelle ChavezRebecca Chopp and Frederick ThibodeauLinda K. and Roger W. ClarkLynn Schofield ClarkSteven K. and Karen K. ColmanTheresa Meier and Jeffrey D. ConleyDavid CopelandJoel CornuetAnn M. Corrigan and Kent RiceDianah CortezNicole D. CrapenhoftKathleen CravyShane K. and April S. CrewsKaren CrossmanChristopher CumptonKathleen and Jeffrey CunninghamMychael R. DavePaula Janette DavisonLeshner Del RosarioNeal David and Keri Laine DermerBrenden O. DesmondHayleigh Patricia DiciannaJohn E. DickH. Alan and Leilani DillBrian C. DomareckGeoffrey Peyton DonahueRobyn R. DonahueMiranda Doran-MyersGwen D. and Peter David DordickDorfman Family Charitable Fund at Schwab CharitableBarry J. DorfmanRoy DrakeJohn DyerE. & P. Foundation Fund at the Denver FoundationMatthew EckermannPatricia J. Eggleston-Mahanke and Ward MahankeEmanuel and Ellen Marritt Endowment at Schwab Charitable FundAnne EnderbyJulianne EnderbyMegan Patricia EnderbyKeith EnglerLin J. Erhardt

Ferooza Arun EswaranEdward Exum and Lynn McCoy ArnoldTheresa M. FadulSuzanne M. and Robert C. FanchMichael A. FeinerElizabeth J FeldmannCindy FiniganKellie FischerGrayson J. FiskeJanet FogertyScott ForsythJudith E. FoxMarissa FoxJohn FredericksKathryn French and David R. CampbellMegan Burke FrenzelPeter Joseph and Alana Henken FryerHarmony Emerson and Mike S. FurlongRichard GanShannon Garcia-LewisSuzanne E. GartnerNancy GebhardAlice Elizabeth GibbsKaren G. and Michael B. GibsonSteven S. Gittelman and Nancy E. LinnEllie E. and Eugene D. GoalstoneStephen J. GoldmanLorna S. GrayTimothy GreenJennifer GreenfieldCameron GridleyLaura E. GroesselJohn William and Carol Smith GrudisLaurie Andreen and Andrew J. GrygielRobert J. GuerraIsmael GuerreroDavid HaberJames M. HahnTacy Weeks and Holger R. HahnRick HainesRyan HaithMarcie HaloinStuart HalsallWilliam Paul HarbertAnn V. and Gary E. HardenPeter R. HarnischGary E. HarveyDaniel M. and Marcie M. HaskellMarian C. HaughCarrie K. and John HaydenSally A. HerbertMarie F. and Martin H. HerzogMo HeshmatiBetsy Mordecai and Gareth R. HeymanCrystal HimmelArdon Barry HirschfeldDenise HoffmanPeter R. Hoffmann and Dinah LoerkeKevin M. and Susan Price HollernKaDee HoltJohn Terry HordinskiAnonymousJieyu HuElizabeth HuguezDavid M. HurtadoHeather Iden

28 29


30 31

John D. InmonAnn K. and David Stancil IrvingDaniel E. Jacobs and Mary Ellen CaiatiAlexander JamesAmanda Dyer JeffriesRachel C. and Nicholas JenningsJeffrey M. and Mary W. JensonCarlyn Betts JepsonLevi JohnsenGlenn S. and Suzanne Engle JohnsonKenneth Satoshi JohnsonBarbara Jean and David JonassonDale S. and Kathy B. JonesDeborah Lynne JonesJ. Charles Jordy and Brian Lee FunPauline JordyDaniel JumpsChristina D. KambeitzBetty Ann Bass KaneChristopher Warren KerecmanChad E. KingKurt and Cindy KittlesonAnonymousDamon KnopRhonda Adams Knop and Timothy J. McManusSteven A. KochLaurie A. and John J. KopelLynn E. and Paul J. KorusMargaret R. KorusMonica Lynn and John Arthur KosanovichJonathan R. and Kristen KrausAnupama Bansal KumarGregg Kvistad and Amy R. OaksBarbara LadonLand Title Guarantee CompanyJennifer Landers and Gregory Carl PaceRichard C. LangGary P. and Cora C. LaPlanteRichard A. and Sandra Lee LawsRobert LawsLarry L. and Marilyn A. LibsackThomas Justin LileScott LimogesDavid S. LivingstonDemetrio A. LuceroAnthony Robert LuxDaniel K. LuziettiPaul C. MaestasChristina Marie and Robert James MahoneyNicholas MahoneyAnh-Thu P. Mai-WindleEvan N. and Evelyn Bachrach MakovskyLawrence J. MalonePeyton W. ManningEllen and Emanuel MarrittElizabeth Ann Martin BaltimoreBrennon M. MartinPaul MasoveroMaya FundBernard S. MayerJames M. McCubbinJason McGloneDebbie McGrathNancy McGraw

Michael J. McGuireFlynn McLainTerri McNabbKris McWilliamsMichael W. Louis Charitable TrustBrett M. Miller and Heather N. TaussigCraig M. MillerKerry Lynn and Justin MorelandBrent J. and Julie A. MorseTroy James MotleyLisa M. MuellerDana D. and William D. MyersCraig and Jackie NelsenHeidi N. NelsonRachel Luann NelsonRobert C. and Judith S. NewmanPhung Van NguyenNyia Jane and Wayne George NielsenW. Blake Nielsen and Lauren Elizabeth AndersonJohn T. and Sherri NittaSean R. NohavecNate NowickiLily O NussbaumNeil B. OberfeldIkechukwu OgbuikeJulie and Lance M. OlsonJeanne M. OrrbenGreg OsbornGregory and Roberta OsbornPamela Allen OsborneTracy OwensBrooke Adrian PabloJulie PackardAlexander Barrett PageZachary French PalmquistDaniel Richard PatchPaul and Lynn Korus DAF at Schwab Charitable FundBrian A. PeaglerRob E. and Helen Marie PeirceStephanie Lechuga PenaJonathan E. PerlmutterJordon* and Essie Lou PerlmutterMichael Charles PerryLauren E PettyPhillip B. Golberg Fund at the Denver FoundationCarie J. PierceTammie M. PierceKaren PlachyWilliam H. PlummerJanice J. PodollPerry D. and Ilene PolletMarlena Jeanette PorrasJack T. and Judith E. PottleConnie M. Proulx Pirosko and Michael E. ProulxMarlo ProvorseMary QuayleJillian Jean QueriTerence T. Quirke*Lillian C. RamirezFederico Rangel and Guadalupe F. Loredo-RangelNonajean ReberAndreas and Franka RechkemmerDiana M. RichettRalph Riggs

Thomas RobesonTerence and Kimberly RootBrian RorickStanton D. and Jane E. RosenbaumGreg RossMolly Elizabeth RossiRobert M. RothMichael RudnickCarol S. RumpfKyle J. RuskSalazar Family Foundation DAF at the Denver FoundationLola A. and Virgil Robert SalazarClinton SalisburyBrian E. SandyPolly Weintz SannaJohn L. SantivasiTeri A. and Thomas A. SapiroAnjela K SargentTiffany SchadenAnonymousAnonymousRichard A. SchierburgSchlessman Family Fund at the Denver FoundationDolores J. and Lee E. SchlessmanSean C. and Jacquelyn ScrantonSuzanne M. SearcyElizabeth Ritter SeawaltEllen W. and Andrew L. SeligJohn SepichRoss ShaferRoger W. ShermanMargaret L. and Vernon E. ShoupMark G. and Sheli SilviusMichael SkeffingtonAnonymousCraig M. SmithRoberta SmithWilliam J. SmithPhillip Snellen and Gretchen J. GagelRobert SorensonMary E. SpanbergerJessica E. Speese KlineMona F. and Mark SpitzDorey L. SpottsGary StarlingJim StewartAnonymousScott SwartzSarah Michelle and Richard Thomas SweetmanCharles Ralph SwiftRod TabbererElizabeth Crown TapperKaren Temple

The Charles & Faye Schayer Fund at Jewish ColoradoChristopher Scott TierneyKristi Mitchell TighePeter John TobinSteven David ToltzCarol Christine and Pete TovaniJames and Robin TrautmanJune E. TravisKarla Tucker-SmithTy E. TymkovichChris J. and Christine UnderwoodTodd Leete UngerSamantha Jade ValliereJames B. and Deborah A. Van LuitChristina E. VelaJanet VineStephen D. VoglerDaniel WaldmanBarbara WatsonTiffany WatsonDeanna S. WegmanAndrew WeinfeldtSusan WeinsteinSuzanne WellerTodd WhitfieldKatherine Therese Wilberding CrossLynne P. and Bryan L. WilkyBryan WilliamsJames Herbert WilliamsJohn A. WilliamsL. Clegg WilliamsJeffrey D. and Tracy WillisEleanor and Philip D. WinnHoward E. WisherMary Nell WolffKhilah Wynne WilliamsAlec A. and Sherry Lynn WynneCaroline WynneGuang Jin YeungGary L. and Teresa A. YourtzJoe ZanoneJoanne M. ZboyanKevin ZhengAngela Zuccarelli

OTHER

City and County of Denver, CODenver Housing AuthorityCDHS Tony Grampsas Youth ServicesColorado Department of Higher Education – Colorado Scholarship Initiative


Welcome Dean McBride! - · PDF fileThis report was written by Jeff Jenson, ... hundreds of...

Documents

Transcript of Welcome Dean McBride! - · PDF fileThis report was written by Jeff Jenson, ... hundreds of...