The BRIDGE Program offers unique opportunities to Senior Students. 

There is a program offered to seniors at Ipswich High School called The BRIDGE Program. The BRIDGE Program has been around for roughly 10 years and was developed to offer a unique opportunity to seniors. In their last quarter of high school, seniors can elect to participate in this program, and instead of going to class, they can work and get real-life experience in a field that they are interested in. The program lasts about 6 weeks, and students must spend at least 30 hours per week at the job of choice. Students will typically pick a job that relates to what they will study in college.    

I had a chance to speak to Mr. Harvey about his thoughts on the program. When asked if he thinks the program is good for students to participate in, he had this to say: “It is a valuable learning experience for students because it gives them a glimpse into possible careers of interest.” I asked him if the program has proven to be successful because the number of people who participate in it continues to increase, as well as the caliber of placements students are getting. This year, about 64 seniors are participating.” His thoughts on improvements to the program? “It could use more networking, meaning that the program needs to continue to develop and create more relationships for potential placements.” 

I wanted to ask some questions of a senior who is participating in the BRIDGE program, so I asked my friend Hank Latorella. I asked Hank what made him want to do the program and what he would be doing. “I wanted to do the BRIDGE program so that I could go out and see what a real job will look like, and also to get out of school. I will be at Doyon Elementary working with kids in the physical education department.” Hank chose this job because he wants to work with kids after graduation and wants to be a gym teacher someday. Hank also said that he would encourage upcoming seniors to do the BRIDGE program so that they can test out a field of interest and get out of the classroom. 

The BRIDGE Program definitely has benefits for those students who are certain of what they want to do after graduation. But the program isn’t for everyone. For me, I chose not to participate for a few reasons. The biggest reason is that I am not sure what I want to do when I grow up, and have not chosen a field to pursue. I want to go to college, but I am unsure of what to focus on. I also enjoy my routine of coming to class and seeing my friends and teachers every day. This program could also be beneficial if you try something you thought you would like to do, and after the program, you realize it is not for you.

Whatever choice you make, be sure it is one that will make you happy and make you want to get up out of bed every day!