For more than 30 years, the Bridge to Employment (BTE) program has helped prepare young people for brighter futures through pre-apprenticeship, career exploration and readiness, post-secondary exploration and preparation, and community engagement and leadership. In collaboration with Johnson & Johnson, BTE inspires young people (ages 14–18), both in the U.S. and around the world, to stay in school, excel academically and elevate their career aspirations. BTE’s goals are to increase youth who:
- Have human and technical skills to successfully transition to the workforce.
- Pursue professional opportunities within Johnson & Johnson.
- Engage in industry-aligned work-based learning experiences or certifications.
- Plan to enroll in post-secondary education or training.
- Pursue a career in the STEM2D (science, technology, engineering, math, manufacturing and design) or health care sectors.
Each BTE site is unique in its structure and operation, with excellence stemming from its school-to-career principles. Through partnerships with local Johnson & Johnson companies, secondary schools, higher education institutions, community-based organizations, and local workforce boards, the program provides opportunities for meaningful, contextual learning; connects students with working professionals; and promotes high standards of learning.
FHI 360 supports the BTE program and students’ future success in the workplace by:
- Building long-term partnerships among businesses‚ educators‚ parents and community groups.
- Providing a library of resources, including hands-on STEM activities, skill-building workshops, mentorship guides and much more.
- Reinforcing parental involvement as a valuable link between young people and their schools.
- Recognizing and advancing exemplary community efforts to assist young people to begin building careers.
FHI 360 also designed and maintains the BTE website‚ which is regularly updated with new project information. Additionally‚ FHI 360 oversees program evaluation efforts and compiles a report on lessons learned that identifies factors contributing to success in partnerships between schools and businesses.
Additional Information
- An Oral History of Bridge to Employment
- Efficacy of a college and career readiness program: Bridge to Employment
Detgen A, Fernandez F, McMahon A, Johnson L, Dailey CR.
Career Dev Q. 2021;69(3):231-47.
