Bridge Builders Summer Leadership Conference

Bridge Builders Collaborate Summer Conference

The Collaborate experience begins with the Summer Leadership Conference — an unforgettable week-long group retreat led by BRIDGES staff. A diverse group of Memphis youth will build lasting friendships and develop valuable life skills through high-energy activities and conversations. Summer Conference equips you to make the most of your Bridge Builders experience.

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Application Dates

Students can apply online or with a paper application. The application will take about 10 - 15 minutes. Students will be notified by email on the selection date listed below. To be fully enrolled in the program the parents need to pay the program fee and attend a virtual parent orientation. If you need support with the program fee please contact Caitlin Lloyd at clloyd@bridgesusa.org or 901.260.3759.

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Early Application Season

Application Opens: November 10, 2023 @ 9:00 AM
Early Application Deadline: February 16, 2024
Early Application Selection Notification: March 1, 2024
Early Enrollment Deadline: April 19, 2024

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Regular Application Season

Regular Application Deadline: April 19, 2024
Regular Application Selection Notification: April 26, 2024
Final Enrollment Deadline: May 17, 2024

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I am a Bridge Builder. I am a leader who can lay aside individual, social, economic and cultural differences to work for the benefit of all.

The Bridge Builders Pledge

Important:

Selected students must attend orientation with their parents/guardians and pay the program fee by the enrollment deadline to secure their placement. Program space is limited. Students are encouraged to apply and enroll early.

Summer Conference Dates and Locations

There are two locations for the summer leadership conference. Students will be assigned their session when they are fully enrolled in the program and will be notified by email.

Rising 7th-8th graders will be at the Jim Boyd BRIDGES Center, located downtown at 477 N 5th St. Drop off is at 8am and pick up at 4pm every day. Parents, please join us at the induction ceremony to celebrate your students and hear about their week at 3pm on Friday at BRIDGES.

7th-8th grades (Jim Boyd BRIDGES Center 8am-4pm)

‍Session 1: June 10-14
Session 2: June 17-21
Session 3: June 24-28

9-10th grade (Jim Boyd BRIDGES Center 8am-4pm)

‍Session 1: July 8-12
Session 2: July 15-19
Session 3: July 22-26

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Rising 11th and 12th graders will be at the University of Memphis Campus. Students will be dropped off on Monday and picked up after the Induction Ceremony on Friday at 12:00 pm. Parents, please join us at the ceremony to celebrate your students and hear about their week.

11th grade (University of Memphis- Residential)

Session A: June 17-21
Session B: June 24-28

12th grade (University of Memphis- Residential)

Session A: July 15-19
Session B: July 22-26

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Program Rates

BRIDGES is committed to keeping costs as low as possible for students. With support of community donors, BRIDGES is able to offer reduced program rates on a sliding scale.

Annual Program Fee includes entire cost for summer conference and activities throughout the following school year.

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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