Established by the Marriott family in 1989. 24,100+ careers launched across 12 U.S. cities.
Bridges embeds Youth Employment Specialists in schools, VR agencies, and community organizations. We handle career readiness, employer matching, and 12 months of post-placement support.
We deliver Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) under WIOA Title IV and partner with state vocational rehabilitation agencies on referrals and placement.
Your district pays nothing. Your students get real jobs.
Through 2024, 76% of Bridges placements were still working at 90 days (over the past decade, 2015–2024).
Built with the schools, VR agencies, and community partners in our network, over 37 years.
32,081+
Young Adults Served
24,149+
Hired in Real Jobs
1,134
School Partners
Bridges is built to fit into your existing work, not add to it.
We embed Youth Employment Specialists in schools to identify students who can benefit from career readiness and employment support, working alongside transition coordinators and special education teams.
Current partners include: Chicago Public Schools, School District of Philadelphia, San Francisco Unified, and additional districts in our network
We partner with state VR agencies to deliver Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) and connect young adults to competitive integrated employment.
Current partners include: Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency (GVRA), California Department of Rehabilitation, Texas Workforce Commission
Nonprofits, faith-based organizations, and community groups refer young adults and collaborate on events, job fairs, and workforce initiatives.
Current partners include: Faith-based organizations, youth-serving nonprofits, and workforce coalitions across the Bridges network
The young adults your referrals reach.
WIOA funds five specific Pre-Employment Transition Services for students ages 14 to 22. Bridges delivers all five in Atlanta and New York City under agreements with those state agencies. Other Bridges sites coordinate with their local VR systems on related transition services rather than delivering Pre-ETS directly.
Career interest assessments and one-on-one work with a Youth Employment Specialist to explore roles and industries.
Experience in real, competitive, integrated workplaces through the employer network, not simulated settings.
Soft-skills coaching, résumé building, and interview preparation ahead of any employer introduction.
Guidance on education and training routes, planned alongside employment rather than instead of it.
Practice asking for what you need at work, including accommodations, supported by peer mentoring.
Pre-ETS was created by WIOA in 2014, and state VR agencies must spend at least 15% of their federal grant on it. If your state is not one of the two above, talk to us about what a Pre-ETS agreement would take.
Workplace leaders, in their own words. The proof your referrals will end up in real jobs.
“He's a great young man and a welcome addition to our team.”
Keishia Walker
General Manager, Sodexo Magic
“Give me ten more like Rhys!”
Jewel-Osco store manager
Jewel-Osco
“Pedro is an absolute pleasure to work with. He is so sweet and kind and loves learning new culinary techniques. He even helps us recruit and has referred multiple people to apply for our openings.”
Bllanca Barbosa
Human Resources Manager, Dallas Renaissance Hotel
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Teal pins = Bridges program offices (orange when selected). Purple dots = partner school locations (zoom in to see them). Rings = approximate service radius around each office.
For schools, VR agencies, and community organizations in the 12 cities Bridges serves.
A 30-minute call with our partnerships team. We learn about the young adults you serve, your goals, and where Bridges can add value.
We define roles, data-sharing, reporting cadence, and any service agreements, tailored to your organization's needs.
Your dedicated Youth Employment Specialist begins working with students or clients in your city. Outcomes tracked from day one.
Not in one of our 12 cities? We’re always interested in hearing about new communities. Bridges expansion takes committed funding and local staffing capacity, but the conversation has to start somewhere. Tell us about yours.
Ages 17–26, documented disability, interested in work. They start with the Interest Form; a Youth Employment Specialist follows up within two business days. No formal partnership required.
Open the Interest FormBecome a formal partner if you want embedded YES staff and reporting aligned to your district or agency.
Whether you're a school, agency, or community organization, tell us how we can support your mission.
