BRIDGE TO CAREERS

Bridge to Careers began in 2016 with the primary goal of preparing students for employment, job training, and higher education. Currently, the program offers three job training courses with pathways to certification:  mental and behavioral health, pre-medical assistant, and digital literacy. Our courses are delivered in a bilingual, IET (Integrated Education and Training) format that provides English language reinforcement concurrently and contextually with workforce training.

Pre-Medical Assistant students learn introductory and foundational concepts of English language communication that are necessary to work as a medical assistant in a health care facility. Communication, business writing, applied mathematics, technology, and administrative skills are part of the curriculum.  The training is designed as a precursor to entry into a medical assistant training program.

Digital Literacy students have two entry points: Customer Service or Management. Our courses focus on foundational concepts of customer service and management while sharpening English language and technology skills.  Both pathways lead to multiple NorthStar certifications. 

Mental and Behavioral Health students learn the foundational concepts of mental and behavioral health with a focus on cultural competency, advocacy, recovery, and resiliency. Our course leads to certification in Mental Health First Aid, a national certificate program that trains students to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. The training reinforces the skills needed to reach out and provide initial help and support to someone who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem or experiencing a crisis. Our program offers a pathway to employment and training through Lifespan Workforce Development initiatives.