Our Work

Just 26% of first-gen students nationwide will graduate from college.

We achieve a 94% college graduation rate.

A college education is the most effective means to move a generation of children out of poverty, yet the achievement gap that begins in elementary school makes the path to college unobtainable for many students.

Peninsula Bridge is closing the achievement gap with a holistic, metrics-driven program:

  • Long-term, Persistent Support

  • Rigorous and Engaging Curriculum

  • Socio-Emotional Learning

  • Sense of Belonging and Confidence

  • Selective Cohort Based Model

  • Comprehensive Parent Education

  • Our Mission

    Peninsula Bridge empowers highly motivated, low-income students to achieve college and career success through individualized support and transformational educational opportunities.

  • Our Students

    Peninsula Bridge serves highly motivated, low-income students across the Peninsula. Our scholars have college aspirations and constantly inspire us with their curiosity, grit, compassion and perseverance.

13 Years of Personalized Academic and Socio-Emotional Support

Our 13-year program of wrap-around services is unique with its cohort-centric model and comprehensive, whole-child, active learning approach. We embody the concept that it takes a village to raise a child and marshal the resources and support for each student to successfully graduate from high school and college with career readiness.

Middle School Academy

Grades 4-8
Rigorous after-school and summer academic and enrichment program focused on deep analytic thinking, public speaking, and problem solving

90% of Middle School scholars improved their writing skills in just 1 year

High School Academy

Grades 9-12
Year-round college readiness preparation combining academic support with college planning and personalized counseling

100% high school graduation rate, compared to 71% of low-income students in San Mateo County

College Access

Grades 11 & 12
Guidance throughout the application, financial aid and enrollment process

100% college matriculation rate, compared to 67% of low-income students nationwide

College Success

Through the College Years
Summer workshops and year-round advising to bolster college completion and career readiness

94% projected college graduation rate in 4-6 years, compared to 11% of low-income students nationwide

College to Career

Through the College Years
Career exposure and development, internship coaching, and workshops on resume development, interview prep, personal branding, and networking

88% of college graduates are working career-ladder jobs or internships

A Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Justice & Belonging

We believe all people deserve to feel a sense of belonging in an environment where all can be their authentic selves. 

As an inclusive community and metrics-driven organization, we share the responsibility to support our students during their educational trajectory with systems and processes that are just and equitable for all stakeholders. We strive to bring excellence to our programming by empowering students and embracing their diversity. 

To do that, all stakeholders - teachers, staff, students, and all other community members - must make a commitment to learn and grow together, in turn creating a community that provides transformational opportunities while actively combating systemic inequities.

Peninsula Bridge Develops the Whole Child and Family

Our 13-Year Holistic Approach Equips Students to Thrive

Our Core Values

  • Be Supportive

  • Be Collaborative

  • Be Innovative

  • Be Transparent and Honest

  • Be Caring and Respectful

  • Set High Expectations and Standards

Cathy Baur, Mountain View Whisman School District Chief Academic Officer

"I have worked with many organizations that have a mission to support students over the past 29 years.  Peninsula Bridge stands out as a shining  example of how an organization can successfully support students over time. They engage with students and build strong relationships with them starting in fourth grade and continue throughout college. This structure gives students a support system to carry them from elementary school, through college and into their careers. Peninsula Bridge’s volunteers and staff are committed to student success.  It is an extraordinary organization.”

Our Outcomes

Peninsula Bridge helps break the cycle of poverty and greatly increases each student’s chance for success in school, life and career. With a 100% college matriculation rate, the results speak for themselves.