History
In 1989, a group of deeply committed community leaders shared a vision of equal educational access for all children who are motivated and want to succeed in school. This initial dream served as the catalyst for the Peninsula Bridge Program of today—a highly respected, leading edge educational enrichment program that serves over 350 motivated low-income students each year.
Our first summer program was offered at the Sacred Heart Prep campus in Atherton in 1990, serving 26 middle school students from the Ravenswood School District who came for an intensive 5 week summer program. Sacred Heart offered Peninsula Bridge the use of their campus for free, and we in turn provided a tuition-free program for our students. Over the years, Peninsula Bridge has established partnerships with a number of other independent schools in the area as well, including Castilleja School, Crystal Springs Uplands School, Menlo School, St. Joseph’s School, St. Matthew’s Episcopal, and Woodside Priory. Each partner school offers in-kind support for the program through use of its facilities during the summer, and Peninsula Bridge raises the funds to pay for teachers and supplies. Since its inception, Peninsula Bridge has made a difference in the lives of over 5,000 youth and their families from the communities of East Palo Alto, east Menlo Park, Redwood City and San Mateo.
Enrollment in our summer program has increased from 26 to over 350 motivated students who are now recruited as rising fifth graders and stay with our program until 8th grade.