๐ BRIDGES Youth Mentoring & Leadership Program
I havenโt been very involved in the Korean community in Pittsburgh. But after attending the Future Leader Conference in Korea this May, I reconnected with the Korean Association of Pittsburgh with one intention: to give back. They had a vision for a youth mentoring program, and I had the privilege of helping shape it.
I couldnโt think of a more fitting name than BRIDGES๐ โ a symbol of Pittsburghโs 446 bridges that connect places, people, and possibilities that would otherwise remain apart.
In the same way, BRIDGES aims to be a warm connection that:
๐ฑ Links caring adults with youth full of potential
๐ฑ Shares wisdom and encouragement across generations
๐ฑ Builds a community where students grow with confidence and belonging
This three-tier mentorship model โ high school โ college/graduate students โ professionals โ creates a circle of support where everyone learns, grows, and leads.
At its core, BRIDGES is more than mentoring. It helps youth build leadership, confidence, and a healthy sense of identity and pride. It welcomes Korean American, multicultural, adoptee, and international students and supports their academic, personal, and cultural growth so they can become confident leaders in American society, rooted in their Korean heritage.
๐ฐ We are recruiting:
โก๏ธ High School Mentees (9โ12) โ Grow, explore identity, and prepare for your future.
โก๏ธ College/Grad Mentors โ Mentor youth while being mentored by professionals.
โก๏ธ Professional Mentors โ Support emerging leaders with your experience and guidance.
When I look back, I remember the One Caring Person who made all the difference. I hope BRIDGES becomes a place where students in Pittsburgh find theirs โ someone who believes in them, listens to them, and helps them become who theyโre meant to be.
๐ If you know interested students, mentors, or professionals in the Pittsburgh area, please reach out.
๐ If youโve run similar programs, Iโd love to learn from you. Your insights can help us build something meaningful and lasting.
Weโre starting small, but with a big heart โ and building a space where young people feel supported, connected, and proud of who they are.
๐ See the attached flyer for more details (English & Korean) and apply here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScPFXaE5g2SY9mJTJ0PkztKWx_UlWsvTFKID95Q6PXfrjO5cQ/viewform
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