About BRIDGES

Our Mission

BRIDGES unites and inspires diverse young people to become confident and courageous leaders committed to community transformation.

Be a part of our mission

A better present is forged by youth

BRIDGES works to break down barriers and unify our community. We invest in the power of youth and empower them to be courageous leaders and change makers today, not just for tomorrow.

Through Connect, Collaborate, and Change, the three levels of Bridge Builders programming, youth in grades 6-12 learn to step outside their comfort zones and seek out diverse perspectives. They also hone crucial real-world skills like communication, problem-solving, and decision-making as they explore effective citizenship and social responsibility.

Bridge Builders programs don’t stop at diversity appreciation and leadership development—they challenge youth to apply those skills to make meaningful and lasting impacts on schools, neighborhoods, and city through the Youth Action Center, councils, and boards.

At BRIDGES, we believe youth aren’t just “the leaders of tomorrow.” They’re powerful agents for positive change today.

Our Theory of Change

More than a century of change.

Since the early 1920s, BRIDGES has been engaging with youth to create real social change. Explore all the steps our organization has taken over the years.

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.

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*Data from 2022-2023

2,044

Total youth
participated

30

Schools and youth-serving organizations

49

Zip Codes
Represented

4 of 5

students said
their leadership skills improved