Latest Review
Mission
Our mission is to promote academic and personal success for motivated middle school students from under-resourced communities.
WHY DO WE NEED THE PENINSULA BRIDGE PROGRAM?
1. Low-income students with college aspirations are swimming against the tide.
In the 8th grade, the desire to go to college is about as high among low-income students as among their affluent classmates. Whereas nearly all of the latter will realize their aspirations, only about two-thirds of the former will do so. Intervention strategies to aid low-income students have to begin in the 5th and 6th grades, not on the eve of college attendance.
-Research Report from The College Board, Swimming Against the Tide: The Poor in American Higher Education, by Patrick T. Terenzini, Elena M. Bernal, Alberto F. Cabrera, Published: 2001
Unfortunately, many students in the communities that Peninsula Bridge serves are “tracked out” of college preparatory classes while they are still in middle school. Algebra I is frequently referred to as “the Gatekeeper Course” because enrolling in this class by 8th grade remains the most reliable predictor of future success in college. For seventeen years, Peninsula Bridge has been helping students from under-resourced communities successfully enroll and excel in college track courses in high school.
2. Parents of underserved students need more help and resources to get their children on the college track.
Parents are central players in the intergenerational legacies that are passed on and which shape children’s educational attainment. Low-SES (Socio-Economic Status) parents need more and better information earlier in their children’s lives about what is possible and available in the way of college attendance and financial aid.
-"Swimming Against the Tide: The Poor in American Higher Education,” by Patrick T. Terenzini, Elena M. Bernal, Alberto F. Cabrera, Published: 2001
Parents, some of whom may not have finished high school or attended college themselves, can also be overwhelmed by the academic and financial requirements of thier children’s education. Peninsula Bridge gives parents the information they need to help guide their children through middle school, high school, and ultimately the college application process.
3. With budget cuts for California public schools, private organizations must step up to the plate and offer additional academic resources and guidance.
Dwindling resources in the state of California will only increase the dramatic academic achievement gap that separates low-income and minority students from students being raised in high-income communities. Peninsula Bridge is a privately funded organization that is committed to easing the shortfalls created by an overburdened public school system.
Our Philosophy
Three things make Peninsula Bridge successful:
1. Committed students and their families
2. Outstanding public and independent schoolteachers
3. Access to premier educational resources and schools
This combination allows us to provide a program that is academically rich and challenging, prepares students for high school and ignites their love of learning.
Our History
Peninsula Bridge is a recognized educational institution within Silicon Valley, and is respected for the excellence and dedication of its staff and board members. Serving 26 children in its first year, Peninsula Bridge now serves more than 300 children and their families annually. Since its inception in 1989, the program has helped more than 3,000 low-income students reach their academic potential.
Peninsula Bridge was founded in 1989, as a partnership between a public school district (Ravenswood/East Palo Alto), an independent school (Sacred Heart Prep), and a local nonprofit organization (Boys and Girls Club). In its early years, the organization grew rapidly through the energy and leadership of its founder Les Dewitt, and was supported by a group of committed volunteers who hailed from independent schools on the Peninsula. This group of volunteers consisted of a number of respected community leaders, including Fran Arrillaga, Margaret Beltramo, Mary Floyd, Rosemary Hewlett, Penny Howell, Penny Meier, and Susan Myers.
Key Facts
Geographic areas served:
San Mateo County, CA
Target demographics:
low-income middle school students in under-resourced communities of San Mateo county.
Board Members and Affiliation:
The Peninsula Bridge board members are all leaders in their respective businesses and in the community. They share a single desire to see school children from under-resourced schools and communities realize their educational and life dreams.
* Chris Alden, EVP/GM Proessional Division, Six Apart
* Les DeWitt, Founder, Peninsula Bridge Program and Community Volunteer
* John Draper, (Chair) Director of Educational Outreach, Crystal Springs Upland School
* Steve Fick, Senior Vice President and Manager, Borel Private Bank & Trust Company
* John Harlow, Community Volunteer
* Mary Jo Imparato, Business Consultant
* Shaneka Julian, Spanish Faculty, NSBE Advisor Eastside College Preparatory School
* Louise Paustenbach, School Counselor and Artist
* Joseph Rios, Multi-Lingual Services, Berryessa School District
* Sean Reardon, Associate professor of education and sociology. School of Education, Stanford University
* Amy Richards, Head School of Crystal Springs Upland
* Eric Salvatierra, Vice President of Pay Pal
* Bill Shaw, Senior Management Director Nasdaq
* Janice Wilkins, Vice President Director of Internal Audit Intel Corporation
Advisory Committee
Susan Arbuckle, Margaret Beltramo, Bill Floyd, Rosemary Hewlett, Joan Lonergan, Charlie Marshall, Susan Myers
Key Staff
Executive Director: Grainger Marburg is the Executive Director of Peninsula Bridge. Grainger has more than 17 years of combined experience in education, management consulting, philanthropy, and non-profit management. Highlights of his past experience include a 2-year teaching assignment in Micronesia as a Peace Corps Volunteer, working with large public agencies to enhance their performance and efficiency, and managing a comprehensive neighborhood improvement strategy in San Jose. Grainger’s commitment to educational, social, and economic equity has strongly informed his professional choices, which is exemplified by his current position as Executive Director of the Peninsula Bridge Program.
Grainger is responsible for managing all aspects of the organization - both internal and external - and is the primary liaison with the independent schools. He is a graduate of Hampshire College in Amherst, MA, and holds an Ed.M from Harvard University. Contact Grainger at grainger@peninsulabridge.org or (650) 473-9461.
Development Director: Sherri Shaner is the Development Director of Peninsula Bridge. She oversees all fundraising for the organization and works closely with the Executive Director and the Board of Directors. Contact Sherri at sherri@peninsulabridge.org or (408) 358-8805.