Our Impact

Peninsula Bridge helps hard-working, under-resourced students bridge multiple opportunity gaps by providing access to high quality educational opportunities, mentoring and advising, and career exposure and experience.

Economically disadvantaged students have unequal access to learning opportunities at home and school, and lag, on average, one to three grade levels behind their more affluent peers. Just 11% of low-income students will graduate from college. 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.

At Peninsula Bridge, each scholar receives more than 650 hours of academic support, 150 hours of college and career advising, ongoing 1:1 mentorship, mental health support and career development opportunities. With support and resources, our students are empowered to achieve college and career success. 100% of Peninsula Bridge scholars graduate high school and 95% will graduate college in 4-6 years.

  • Increasing College Access & Graduation Rates

    Through rigorous academic programming beginning in 4th grade, 1:1 advising and personalized college counseling, 100% of Peninsula Bridge first-gen scholars matriculate to college.

  • Fostering Resilience & Promoting a Sense of Belonging

    Our first-gen students join a cohort of peers, building community and a sense of belonging for both students and their families. Our comprehensive programming covers topics like cultural identity and resilience.

  • Empowering a New Generation of First-Gen Leaders

    Beginning in High School, first-gen students are supported with career development and exploration. Mentors and advisors support scholars with career readiness, resume workshops and internship prep.

The Outcomes Speak For Themselves

Read out our 2023-24 Outcomes Report, detailing impressive outcomes and measurable results from our core programs and alumni. 

960

cholars served annually from 4th grade through college
(as of Sept 2024)

100%

of scholars matriculate
to college

compared to 25% of low-income students nationwide

100%

of scholars are from low-income households

97%

of scholars are projected to graduate college in 4-6 years

compared to 11% of low-income students nationwide

Ash McNeely,
Sand Hill Foundation Executive Director

"It’s hard enough to grow up under any circumstance and to figure out financial aid, college applications, what courses to take, how to get a job, how to get an internship. All these things are complicated, difficult processes and Peninsula Bridge just helps connect the dots and make it possible. The net benefit to society is confident, smart, motivated, successful individuals who feel there’s a correlation between their efforts and the rewards, and our whole community benefits from that.”

After-School Academy

Begins in 4th grade & includes:

  • After-school and summer programming, focused on deep analytic thinking, public speaking, and problem solving

  • Rigorous academics and socio-emotional development to encourage an excitement and love of learning with a focus on language arts and STEM

  • An inquiry-based and investigative curriculum to promote skills in problem solving, collaboration, teamwork, time management and communication

96% of students improved their math skills in just 1 year

87% of students enhanced their reading comprehension in just 1 year

High School Academy

Begins in 9th grade & includes:

  • Outdoor and transformative learning experiences for rising 9th graders to deepen skills in collaboration, empathy and team building — fostering confidence — to jump-start a successful transition into high school

  • Weekly sessions for 9th – 11th graders with academic counseling, enrichment, mentoring, tutoring and workshops focused on academic success and college readiness

  • Service learning, leadership development & financial literacy

98% of students believe they can go to college

3.4 Average High School GPA

College Access & Success

Begins in 11th grade and support our scholars with three critical components:

  • College Access Support – academic advising, workshops and counseling to build a sensible college list, write application essays and apply for financial aid and scholarships.

  • College Success Transition –workshops and a summer college transition retreat.

  • College Success Advising – year-round, individualized support for college students.

    Throughout college, scholars are also supported with career readiness and the transition from college to career.

100% of students were accepted to a 4-year college

100% of students graduated with at least 1 competitive internship

“I was able to open decision letters from some of my favorite universities with my parents sitting next to me. It was the proudest moment of my life. Because of Peninsula Bridge, I will be the first in my family to go to college.”

Jorge, Hillsdale High School & Denison University

Meet Our Scholars

Peninsula Bridge students are motivated, intellectually curious, passionate, and determined to succeed. Hear from some of our incredible scholars.