CLC Students Build a Bridge to the Future

It is difficult to choose a career on your own. But if you have teachers, friends and family to help you, it is a lot easier. When Samuel moved to Cambridge last spring, he did not know if he should go to college or just try to get a job.

“My mom graduated from the Bridge to College Program at the Cambridge Community Learning Center (CLC) in 2012. She told me about the CLC,” explains Samuel. “She did not get to go to college. So when I came to the U.S. from Kenya, I really wanted to be able to go to college.”

Samuel’s first stop at the CLC was the High School Equivalency (HSE) Program. He came to an information session and met Patty Fiorenza, a teacher in the HSE Program. “At first, I thought I needed high school classes,” he says. “Then, since I had a high school diploma, Patty referred me to Ava and the Bridge to College Program.” If you have a high school diploma from any country you can go to college in the U.S.

The Bridge to College Program is a free program that helps adult learners to transition to college and succeed in college-level courses. Participants earn college credits through dual enrollment at Bunker Hill Community College. When people complete the program, they can apply to enroll in a bachelor's degree, associate degree, or a certificate program at any college or university.

“My first day in the Bridge to College Program I met many people with lots of different experiences. It was amazing to hear people’s stories,” says Samuel. “It was so nice getting to know people, to make friends, and meet my teachers. My teachers always welcomed people to share in class and reminded us we are all equal.”

The program has three teachers - Mina, Margaret and Ava. Students take a math class, writing class, and advising session. In the advising session, they learn about various careers and ways to continue their studies. “I encourage them to explore their career options,” explains Ava, who teaches the advising class. “I want students to be exposed to all the resources and opportunities available to them.”

In addition to starting school in the fall, Samuel began working part-time as a security guard at TJ Maxx in Fresh Pond. He now works full-time as a Store Detective. “I do surveillance and try to reduce losses in the store. Technology is all around us, and with more cybercrimes happening now, I am interested in learning more about cybersecurity,” says Samuel. Samuel plans to start at a community college this fall and try to get a degree in cyber security.

"Going to a community college will be affordable and some courses might be free,” he explains. “I will get to meet people from different backgrounds and cultures. [I will also] get to learn about them and more about the opportunities to study in the U.S." smiles Samuel. Samuel wants to encourage all adults, especially his fellow immigrants, to take classes at the CLC.

“Don't let fear hold you back,” he says. “If I did it, you can also do it!”

Do you want to go to college? Sign up for an information session to learn about the Bridge to College Program.