Who is eligible to enroll in Grand Rapids Bridge Year?
GRBY is offered to anyone between the ages of 18-29 who has a high school or high-school equivalent diploma by the start date of the program.
Who are the teachers/instructors?
We have a diverse and dynamic group of instructors coming from a wide range of backgrounds. All instructors have significant ministry experience and are leaders in their field.
Where will I live?
Students will be living in an apartment building owned by Bridge Street Ministries in the West Side of Grand Rapids, Michigan during Phase 1 and 3. Housing during Phase 2 will be specific to each phase location in coordination with our international ministry partners.
May I have a car while enrolled in Grand Rapids Bridge Year?
We discourage students from having a car while enrolled in the GRBY largely due to the fact that limited parking is a major issue in our neighborhood. Street parking is the only option available for students and most of our neighbors. We encourage other forms of transportation such as bikes, longboards, roller blades, and shoes. We are about a 10 minute walk from downtown Grand Rapids.
Where will we go for Phase 2?
We are currently working in Guatemala City and southeastern India. We hope to build new long-term relationships with global partners in the future as well.
When does Grand Rapids Bridge Year start?
Bridge Year is a 9-month program starting in September
Are there breaks during Grand Rapids Bridge Year?
Yes. There are programming breaks over the holidays and at various times throughout the year.
Can I have a job while attending Bridge Year?
Bridge Year is a unique immersive experience where students have the opportunity to take an intentional season set aside to pursue God, live in community, and engage in his redemptive work in our city. We encourage Bridge Year students to protect this time without the pressure of an additional job. This is largely to maintain a sustainable rhythm for our students. Bridge Year is filled with 40+ hour weeks and there is not much time for work outside of Bridge Year.
How much does Grand Rapids Bridge Year cost?
There is an $8,300 fundraising goal for students in the program. After acceptance, students will receive training and resources for fundraising on behalf of the Bridge Street Ministries. All donations are tax deductible and students are allowed to contribute toward their own fundraising goals. There are three fundraising deadlines associated with the fundraising goal:
First Friday in June: $100
Friday before Labor Day: $3,300
Last Friday in October: $3,300
Last Day Before Christmas Break (late December): $1,600
Personal expenses for students include a passport (required to have in-hand by the start date of the program), visa (India only), immunizations and vaccinations (as recommended by the CDC, option to sign a release waiver), books, etc.
Email grbridgeyear@bsmgr.org with questions and for additional information.
What all does my payment cover?
Pretty much everything! Program expenses cover food, housing, education, and international travel.
What if I don’t have the money?
Don’t worry! We have a robust fundraising curriculum we offer to all of our students to help them raise support from networks they are in. We also have scholarships available to students in financial need. In our 10+ years of running the program, we have never had a student not be able to participate due to finances. We will help you raise support and have seen time and time again that God provides.
Are there scholarships available?
Yes, we currently offer a limited number of students up to 50% off of their fundraising goal for GRBY if they apply for and receive our Needs Based Scholarship. These scholarships are available to students in financial need and prioritized to those who live in the city of Grand Rapids. For more information email adam@bsmgr.org
Can I apply for financial aid?
Not through the government. GRBY is not a state accredited institution, and therefore does not qualify for state funding. There are currently no other financial assistance programs available to students.
If you have any questions, please email grbridgeyear@bsmgr.org
WE SHOULD CONNECT
