Youth Programs
The Youth Program at Bridges serves Deaf and hard of hearing children and teens-- from first grade through high school-- in a comprehensive program integrating educational tutoring, exercise and healthy living activities, and life skill education. The program has been running successfully for over a decade with an after school program, weekend trips and activities, and summer camps.
Through various programming and activities, the Youth Program at Bridges prepares Deaf and hard of hearing children and teens for life after graduation. Bridges’s Youth Program provides services, programming, and activities that create long-lasting impacts for future success.
Youth Program Enrollment
Children and Youth ages, from first grade through high school, are welcome to participate in any or all of Bridges’s Youth Program activities. Enrollment is on-going and Deaf and hard of hearing youth, children with Deaf family members (ex. CODAs) are always welcome to attend or enroll in the program. For more information or to enroll your child or teen in the Bridges’s Youth Program, please contact us at 615-248-8828 (Voice/TTY) or by email at jp@hearingbridges.org.
Download the After School Program Application here- Part One and Part Two.
After School Program
On Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Youth Program participants meet at the Mary McKinney Youth Center, located at Bridges's main office in downtown Nashville.
The After School Program meets during the school year and follows the academic calendar. At the After School Program, youth participate in activities such as:
- Weekly programming to build healthy habits and engage in age-appropriate exercise plans or game playing
- Visits from guest speakers who discuss life skills and teach students new things, such as cooking classes, CPR classes, computer skills, and more
- Tutoring, homework help, and language and literacy development (English and ASL)
- Group activities and games
- Team-building, self-esteem and growth exercises
What Our Students Say:
- Jada (elementary student): “I like coming and playing.”
- Ericka (high school student): “I like coming. We do fun things. I also sometimes help the younger children. I like when we cook sushi!"
- Xavier (high school student): “It is fun at After School Program. I do not want to be at home bored.”
- Lea (elementary student): “I like playing. I like the books.”
Monthly Outings
The Youth Program also takes monthly Saturday outings to various area-attractions. Examples of trips include:
- Ice skating
- Roller Skating
- Bowling
- Rock climbing
- Community service activities
- Sporting events
Volunteers
Being a volunteer brings rewards that are countless and priceless. No matter how small or big your contribution to the Youth Program at Bridges, your impact matters. We are always actively seeking volunteers to serve in a variety of roles, from driving the van to helping cook, and from tutoring students to participating in group trips and activities. Signing skills are not required for volunteering. For more information on volunteering with the Youth Program, please contact Julie Perdue, Youth Program manager, at jp@hearingbridges.org or 615-248-8828 (work).
Upcoming Youth Events
Camp Sign Me Up
June 4th - 8th and June 11th - 15th from 9 a.m. - 3: 30 p.m.
Camp Jump Start
Monday - Fridays, July 9th through 20th, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Youth News
Another Successful Spaghetti-Rama
December 15, 2011
United Way’s Day of Action: Stuff the Bus Benefits Bridges
September 8, 2011
2010 Scholarship Winner Announced
August 11, 2010