Gracie, another Career Bridge alumni, reflected on her journey and the significant impact the program had on her personal and professional development. Gracie shared how Career Bridge not only shaped her career path but also inspired her to give back to her community:

 

"All of the support and the love, as well as the professional experience that I gained through Career Bridge, inspired me to go do work where I am acting as a mentor and a support system for other students. A lot of my peers who participated in the program did the exact same thing."

 

Gracie emphasized the foundational role Career Bridge played in her education and career:

"I worked at Martin Luther King Elementary School as a tutor and an assistant teacher for their STEM program. This really helped me develop my passion for working with students. The professional experience and financial support that I got from Career Bridge allowed me to live on campus and become a resident assistant, which opened up new career opportunities for me."

 

Reflecting on the broader impact of the program, Gracie noted:

"It's really important to remember that when you are supporting Career Bridge, you are not only pouring into the students who are currently in the program, but you're also having an impact on everybody that those students can help throughout their careers."

 

Gracie graduated from California State University, East Bay with a degree in Criminal Justice and Community Corrections, continuing her commitment to making a positive difference in her community.