Innovation:
Bridge Programs
It is clear to many low skilled workers that the way to get ahead is to earn degrees and credentials in order to qualify for higher paying jobs or for jobs in a new industry career path. Some of the best learning opportunities, however, have entrance requirements that serve as a significant barrier to many. Individuals who have low basic skills (below ninth grade, typically), who do not have a high school diploma or GED, or who do not speak English well, may find themselves unable to enroll in training programs with high requirements. The best solution may not be to send them to a generic GED or ESL program. Instead, bridge programs may be a better alternative.
Bridge programs help provide individual learners with the skills they need to qualify for training, but do so in a targeted way. The curriculum is based on the competencies needed to succeed in a particular postsecondary training program and/or in jobs that lead to career advancement. Content is presented in the context of training for jobs and preparing for employment. The programs furthermore are not drawn out, but rather compressed in a shorter time so that the learners can complete the program quickly and move on to either new jobs or training (Henle et al, 2005).
There can be different levels of bridge programs. Higher level bridge programs lead directly into a job or postsecondary education program, while lower level bridge programs help the lowest-skilled individuals build the skills needed to start the higher level bridge program.
In addition to the associated examples, Women Employed’s Bridges to Careers for Low-Skilled Adults: A Program Development Guide (Henle et al, 2005) offers several additional case studies of model bridge programs.
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