The Bridge Leadership Program (BLP) at Central High School supports incoming 9th grade students at Central by building community, mentorship, fostering relationships, and developing academic and leadership skills. The Bridge Leadership Program begins with one week of in-person activities at Central High School from Monday, August 4-Thursday, August 7th (8:30a-1:00p) and continues through a School Year advisory and mentorship program.
PROGRAM COMPONENTS:
Bridge Summer Institute: held at Central High School the week of August 4-7, 2025 from 8:30 am – 1:00pm. During the Bridge Summer Institute you will have an opportunity to:
- Meet other incoming 9th graders
- Build relationships with students who share your interests
- Develop academic and leadership skills that will help you thrive at Central
- Gain insights into life at Central from teachers, alumni and 10th-12th grader
- School Year Bridge Leadership Program: 9th Grade 2025-2026 School Year
During the 2025-2026 school year, you will be included in a Bridge advisory with other Bridge students, you will have the opportunity to develop activities with other Bridge students, and get to know an upperclassman who will be there to support you through your first year at Central.
All incoming Central 9th grade students are eligible to apply.
APPLICATION PROCESS:
- Apply! To apply, first complete and submit the application form by Monday, May 19th at 5 PM. Completion of this form is not a guarantee of admittance. Limited spaces are available, admissions preference will be given to students from historically marginalized backgrounds and zip codes, in accordance with Guardrail 4 (SDP Board of Education) and Commitment 7 (Office of the DEI).
- Confirmation: If accepted, you will receive a personalized confirmation email. To secure your spot you will be asked to fill out a confirmation form sent in the email with your emergency contact information. YOU WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO ATTEND THE BRIDGE LEADERSHIP PROGRAM IF YOU DO NOT COMPLETE THE CONFIRMATION FORM. Your spot may be given to a student on the waitlist if we do not hear from you to confirm your participation.
- Waitlist: Students who are not accepted will be placed on a waiting list. As spaces become available, students will be moved from the waitlist and will be sent a confirmation form.
- Attend Bridge Leadership Program Summer Institute on August 4th-7th!
Please understand that, if accepted, you are expected to attend and participate in all activities for the entire duration of the program. This includes:
- Bridge Leadership Program Summer Institute: in-person at Central High School August 4-7th from 8:30-1:00pm.
- School Year Bridge Leadership Program: rostering to a Bridge Leadership advisory, mentorship and leadership programs during the 2025-2026 school year.If you have questions or concerns about this program, please reach out to Ken Hung (khung@philasd.org), Sophie Date (sdate@philasd.org), and/or Monique McKenney (mcmckenney@philasd.org).
Apply here . . .
**Please note that the Central High School Bridge Leadership Program is a separate program from the School District of Philadelphia Summer Bridge programs, which are open to all students from any school. To learn more about the School District of Philadelphia Summer Bridge programs, go to: https://www.philasd.org/academics/summerprograms/#grades9to12