Through a landmark program called Bridge Builders, some of the area's fine young people are preparing for future responsibilities in a multicultural world. Bridge Builders brings together high school students representing diverse backgrounds, and gives them leadership, human relations, and civic responsibility training. Through this, students are able to see beyond the traditional barriers of race, religion, culture or class, and see themselves as a community.

During their junior and senior years, Bridge Builders attend two residential leadership conferences, participate in monthly seminars and commit to work together on various community projects.

Each year, 300 sophomore students from more than 45 area schools are selected based on teacher recommendation, individual achievements in the classroom, and leadership potential.

The program starts with a week-long summer camp, where students are paired with someone from a different background than theirs. Through a series of activities, including adventure education, students come away with a new understanding of how teenagers face the same problems across socioeconomic lines. The program continues once the school year begins with monthly meetings focusing on human relations, communications, leadership and community service projects. The Bridge Builders return to camp the following summer and take on a community service project during their senior year.

Bridge Builders, a program of BRIDGES, started in 1988 with 40 students. Today, over 1,400 students from public and private schools in Memphis and Shelby County have participated in the program. Bridge Builders recently has expanded into other communities - Knoxville, Tennessee and Senatobia, Mississippi - and plans to continue growing by sharing the training model with even more school communities.

You can help. Become a part of this important program with a contribution of your time or money.