Bridgeway receives $750,000 endowment grant

We're delighted to announce that we have received a major boost in our efforts to create bursary programs for families in financial need.  The Johnson Scholarship Foundation is a supporter of some major organizations in the US, and we're very proud that they have chosen to support Bridgeway and Turning Tides Community Outreach.  We'll share more information about the grant and bursary availability soon.  In the meantime, we thought we would share the media release that went out this morning. 

Rhonda

Bridgeway Academy receives Johnson Scholarship Foundation Grant

Launches $1.95 million endowment campaign

Dartmouth, NS - Bridgeway Academy will receive up to $750,000 in endowment funding over the next five years from the Johnson Scholarship Foundation, a U-S based private foundation with the mission of assisting disadvantaged individuals obtain education.

Endowment funds will be used to support students with learning disabilities who are in financial need.  Students may use bursary funds to obtain access to Bridgeway’s day school programs, as well as tutoring and social skills programs through its Turning Tides Community Outreach programs. 

Bridgeway has committed to raising an additional $1.2 million in endowment funds, bringing the total endowment to $1.95 million in five years.   Bridgeway will raise and distribute another $600,000 in bursaries to families in need over the five year period.

“Cost has been a barrier to many families wishing to access our programs,” says Lucinda Low, Founder and Executive Director of Bridgeway Academy.  “The Johnson Scholarship Foundation Endowment will open doors to students who are currently struggling with learning disabilities or social skills deficits and allow us to provide them with the skills they need to succeed.”

“Bridgeway Academy was a natural choice,” says Malcolm MacLeod, President of the Johnson Scholarship Foundation.  “Education of young people with learning disabilities falls squarely within the Foundation’s mission.  We are extremely impressed by the Bridgeway’s operations and its method of instruction in particular.  And the outstanding leadership of Bridgeway makes it a good bet for continued success. “

Bursary funding will be made available starting in the 2012-13 academic year.  Information on Bridgeway’s bursary programs, including application criteria, can be found on Bridgeway’s website – www.bridgeway-academy.com.  Information on Turning Tides Community Outreach programs and bursaries can be found on the Turning Tides website – www.turningtides.ca.

About the Johnson Scholarship Foundation

The Johnson Scholarship Foundation was founded in 1991 by Theodore R. Johnson and Vivian M. Johnson.  Since inception, it has made grants of approximately $80 million to support the disabled or those who are disadvantaged because of their social or economic circumstances.  The Foundation assists only those in financial need and has chosen to support education as the best means to empower people to become more independent and to participate more fully in the benefits of society.  All of the Foundation's grants are made through partner institutions, and does not make grants to individuals.  For further information, please refer to the Foundation's website: www.jsf.bz.

About Bridgeway Academy

Established in 1983, Bridgeway is one of the leading providers of individualized education for students with learning disabilities in Nova Scotia.  With locations in Dartmouth and Truro, Bridgeway’s day school program offers a safe, nurturing learning environment for students aged 5-19.

Bridgeway Academy is a registered charity, and is managed by an Executive Director under the guidance of a Board of Directors.  For more information about Bridgeway, please visit www.bridgeway-academy.com.

For more information, please contact:

Rhonda Brown, Director of Communications

902-483-7800 or Rhonda.Brown@Bridgeway-Academy.com