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Career Bridge Overview
Career Bridge began in 2012, following a spate of gun violence and deaths in Seattle. Career Bridge was initially developed and piloted as a collaborative effort between the City of Seattle and community partners to address the disproportionate rates of violence and trauma research showed to be experienced by men of color, particularly African American men. Career Bridge was created to connect African-American men and other men of color who experience multiple barriers to employment, education and training with jobs, and other necessary support. Originally managed jointly by the City of Seattle’s Office of Economic Development and Human Services Department, Career Bridge was developed through an ongoing partnership with community sponsors and supporters (a network of formal and informal groups with strong ties and existing relationships within the community).
This innovative and community-driven model recognizes and builds on the strengths of existing community networks. Strong personal relationships, grassroots implementation and participant empowerment through shared leadership and accountability differentiate Career Bridge from other services provided to its target population. The Career Bridge Program model brings together workforce training, social services, as well as grassroots community support networks in order to provide a relevant and comprehensive approach to assist participants attain the abilities and skills needed to achieve short-term economic and personal stability. Using a cohort model, individuals enter and progress through Career Bridge as a group.
Participants benefit from the mutual motivation, encouragement and collaborative learning that occurs within a cohort model.
Participants’ peers also become an important part of their network of support.
Class description
Classes are 80 hours (classes times: 12:30pm – 4:30pm, Monday through Friday)
Participants will receive 6 college credits through South Seattle College and a student ID# upon completion for continuing education.
$75 stipends paid to each participant per week for attendance.
There will be 2 days in each curriculum set aside for Community partners.
Job development services offered to Career Bridge participants through multiple resources.
Increased computer lab days to strengthen resume, cover letter, and online job search.
Increased training at Monroe Correctional Facility including work with Work Force development in prisons.
We understand that the best solution to crime prevention is a job. Career Bridge is the answer.
Click here to apply and call for an appointment at (206) 461-3792 Ext 3036.
Current Class Schedule
Start date—August 31st through September 25th
Class times—12:30PM to 4:30PM; Monday through Friday.
Computer lab days: Sep 7, 10, and 18.
All other days to be conducted in the open class room.
Total students 10-12 per class.
Graduation date: Tuesday, Sept 29th (held at Damascus Baptist Church Lower Banquet Room)
Program Model
Community Sponsors and Supporters: A key element of Career Bridge is the expectation that participants are referred by people who are well acquainted with them and committed to ongoing mentoring, leadership development, and problem solving support throughout the process.
Wrap-Around Support: Career Bridge recognizes the importance of and therefore helps facilitate participant’s connection to resources to address basic needs (i.e. food, transportation, housing, etc.), wrap services (i.e. childcare, utility assistance, etc.) and unsolved trauma (i.e. healthy relationships, mental health, substance use/abuse, etc.).
Employment & Career Training & Assistance: Career Bridge incorporates assistance with job readiness, job search, training, and labor market information. The program model facilitates ongoing assistance with job placement and connections to training needed for good-paying jobs that provide a pathway to long-term careers.
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