The Taos News - Back to School
Your path. Your goal. Your timeframe.
Bridges helps guide you through the ins and outs of higher education
One size does not fit all when it comes to postsecondary options. Bridges Project for Education has worked with almost 3,000 clients over the past 21 years. Individualized counseling remains the heart of what we do because it allows us to address students’ unique needs. Bridges’ mission is to expand postsecondary access for people of all ages, with an emphasis on students who are from the first generation in their family to pursue certificates, associate or bachelor’s degrees. We walk with students and families through this complex process to help determine what path might best suit their personal circumstances and future goals. Our intention is to help clients get where they want to go in the most direct and intentional way.
We can help with the following:
●● Create a personalized list of colleges and/or vocational schools
●● Register for college admissions tests
●● Complete college and scholarship applications
●● Brainstorm, revise and edit application and scholarship essays
●● Complete the FAFSA and CSS Profile
●● Analyze financial aid packages
●● Compare schools as you weigh your decision
●● Complete the steps to enrollment and continue to be a touchstone and resource once in school
We want people to be informed consumers understanding the ins and outs of admissions and financial aid. Most of our clients have qualified for federal aid, and most are from the first generation in their families to seek higher education. Many have received scholarships. They are high school and GED/HSE students, parents, nontraditional-aged students and those wanting to make mid-life career changes. Their stories are all different, but they share a desire to continue developing themselves.
As an independent local nonprofit, Bridges is not affiliated with any particular school. We present useful information and guidance appropriate to each person’s needs, academic history and hopes. Bridges also offers services to community agencies and local schools. Although our individual counseling services are free, we invite students and families who are able to sustain the organization by making a contribution. We are a small organization nurturing big dreams supported by people and businesses of our community.
Stay tuned for The Learning Curve in the Taos News. Each month Bridges shares helpful information and tips about college admissions and financial aid. Visit the website bridgesproject.org, which includes a resource page packed with useful information.
You can find Bridges Project for Education at 112A Alexander Street, open Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Clients are seen by appointment. A typical session is between 30 minutes to an hour. During the initial visit we’ll talk about the college application and financial aid process and timeline, but mostly we talk about the client’s background, interests and goals and plot out next steps which we can approach together.
Whether you are a student, a returning student or a parent we’re here for you. Contact Bridges at (575) 758-5074 or email info@bridgesproject.org. To learn more about the organization, check out the Adobe Spark document, “We Are Bridges” online at park.adobe.com/page/jQyGL1VueBJal/.