How We Measure Success

Passage candidates are given workable tools to help them excel as students and citizens. The most important transformation for the participants, educators and parents is internal. In order to close the achievement gap, each party must adjust its attitude and accept accountability for their role. Students must accept some level of responsibility for their education; educators must sincerely believe that all children can learn; and parents must provide their children with the tools and guidance needed for their success. It is the expectation that the Prospective Gents and Imminent Ladies will eventually matriculate into four-year colleges and universities.

To assist them in meeting this benchmark, The Bridge Builders has designed a strategy to overcome the barriers that keep many students of color from succeeding. Here are the strategies:

• Give candidates and parents the tools to succeed academically, through Kikao Wa Ndugu
• Guide the Prospective Gents and Imminent Ladies along with their parents
  through the college application process
• Take participants on college and heritage tours
• Match candidates with academic tutors
• Establish peer tutoring groups
• Improve teacher, parent and student relationships
• Provide sizeable college scholarships for initiates
• Expose the participants to college life

Kikao Wa Ndugu is a required component of the rites of passage program for all participants. Each Monday night the Prospective Gents meet at the University of Portland and Imminent Ladies at Concordia University to eat dinner, strengthen their study skills, gain a deeper understanding of African / African American culture, and reflect on the principles of The Bridge Builders rite of passage program. Attendance to these meetings is critical. These sessions not only help the participants achieve the minimal 3.0 grade point average that is expected of each of them, but they also promote studying in groups and academic excellence. We expect them to be present for Kikao Wa Ndugu from beginning (academic mentoring sessions) to the end (closing ritual).

Purification Day is the participants’ attempt to change negative perceptions that people hold of African American males and females, and solicit support from more adults for the program. By wearing the Entrepreneurship uniform and meeting as a group before school and during lunch, the students stand out as an organization that is truly elevating its members. Purification Day occurs on the Tuesday that follows the second Sunday each month. Prospective Gents and Imminent Ladies are instructed to meet as a group in the main hall 10 minutes before first period. During lunch they are required to sit together and host a professional from a sponsoring company. The participants at each school are expected to complete and return the Purification Day checklist two weeks prior to the date.