Critical Bridge
In San José, SJ Works and SJ Promise target high school youth from low-income, first generation, and historically underrepresented communities to provide summer work internships and access to community college. Mentors will be part of a program combining national service and mentorships to provide a critical bridge – from obtaining to retaining summer employment and from access to completion of community college.
Critical Bridge will provide youth with the stability of an older adult who brings a message of “worth” and “value” inherent in a mentor/mentee relationship. Youth will receive the benefit of an individual modeling the importance of a purpose-driven life, who has an accumulation of life experiences and has successfully navigated work and family, and faced the uncertainties of the future. A mentor who will help them develop strategies for their own life choices, champion their efforts, provide them with the tools to forge connections with other people, and to adapt, thrive and become resilient and capable adults.
Older adults will have an opportunity to act upon a well-documented, key desire to experience a renewed sense of purpose and fulfillment in their own lives by advancing the well-being of future generations. Passing on the “assets of aging,” to experience more joy and personal satisfaction, and the opportunity for continued learning and growth have been linked to better health. “Not only are older people well-positioned to help young people develop talents, skills and knowledge, they are also in a good position to advise them on relationships and daily life conflicts. (Sternberg, R., 1990).
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