Simba Changa

This component of the Bridge Builders organization is for 8th grade boys in middle school. It was created in 2002 with a $250,000 grant from Legacy Hospital. Just as in PGC and ILOV, members of the Simba Changas attend middle schools throughout the Portland metro area. The entry process for the 8 grade boys are the same as the other clubs, particularly being chosen for participation after a month-long application process. Their goal is to be elevated into The Prospective Gents Club, and to be prepared for high school. "Simba" means lion cub and "Changa" refers to the transformation. If these young Simbas make it in the program, they could eventually become men in the AGAPE Circle. Similar to the PGC, the Simba Changas have the same area of barometers to focus on: Spirituality, Scholarship, Entrepreneurship, and Community Building. The official color of Simba Changa is purple. The inaugural class of the Simba Changas started in 2003. The first Simba to move through the rites of passage process was Marcus Marion, who is now a Gentleman in the AGAPE Circle and graduate of Grambling State University.