Our Scholars
Peninsula Bridge scholars are resilient, hard-working and determined. They have a growth mindset, a love of learning and college aspirations.
In 3rd grade, academically motivated, under-resourced scholars are identified and selected by their teachers and principals at our partner public schools and invited to apply to Peninsula Bridge’s 13-year program. Selected students join a cohort of peers in 4th grade, building community and a sense of belonging for both students and their families.
Our 13-year program of wrap-around services is unique with its cohort-centric model and comprehensive, whole-child, active learning approach. We embody the concept that it takes a village to raise a child, and marshal the resources and support for each student to successfully graduate from high school and college with career readiness.
Diego Ochoa,
San Mateo-Foster City School District Superintendent
"As a Superintendent, I am thoroughly impressed by the profound impact Peninsula Bridge has had on both our scholars and our community. Their unwavering dedication to supporting first generation, underrepresented students through college graduation is undoubtedly impressive, and their program model has yielded exceptional outcomes. School districts are always looking to find partners like Peninsula Bridge who add culturally responsive value to the lives of our students.
It is clear that the rigor of their program equips these deserving scholars with the skills needed to succeed academically, while also fostering a genuine love of learning and driving remarkable personal growth. We are thrilled to partner with Peninsula Bridge and continue leaving a lasting positive impact on these scholars’ academic and personal journeys."
Our Recruitment Philosophy
Peninsula Bridge partners with 36 public elementary and middle schools on the Peninsula. At these schools, principals and teachers identify and recommend highly motivated, first generation, under-represented students of color.
Our relationship with our public school partners and superintendents are an integral part of our recruitment process.
We recruit:
Top quartile, 3.0 GPA and above (or equivalent grading metric)
Intellectually curious and academically motivated
Socially Economically Disadvantaged (SED) students and families
Peninsula Bridge has a rigorous application and interview process for students and parents. Applications include student and parent essays, a teacher letter of recommendation, and their report card.
School Partners:
Where We Recruit From
Student Demographics
100% of Peninsula Bridge are Socially Economically Disadvantaged (SED). In recognition of this, our curriculum includes a focus on identity development and race, and encourages discussions about barriers to access and opportunity, and the mindset and skills required to overcome those barriers. Our goal is to provide educational access and support, while fostering the personal confidence, sense of belonging and self-esteem our students need to pursue their educational dreams.
Amika Guillaume,
Principal, East Palo Alto Academy High School
"Peninsula Bridge is a safe harbor for all of our first gen BIPOC students. In a time of political and immigration uncertainty the work of the PB team has been priceless. Navigating the education system, especially when it is new to both you as a student AND your parents is no easy feat. It is clear that through the meaningful relationships, regularly scheduled workshops for students and parents alike, and the outreach for our PB college scholars, this is a program that not only works, but excels. Through the design of wrap around services, the family and students have the support and inspiration needed to debunk the statistics. Thanks to PB you can no longer use a zip code to predetermine the academic trajectory and social mobility of a child here in the Bay Area."
Meet Our Scholars
Peninsula Bridge students are motivated, intellectually curious, passionate, and determined to succeed. Hear from some of our incredible scholars.