•  To create a system where students connect to caring adults who offer emotional support and direction as they pursue academic success
  

• To fill service gaps and expand service options as we focus on the unique needs of students from diverse communities
  

• To maintain system change and sustainability within our schools as we establish an ongoing support network that is inclusive and youth-centered
  

• To increase hope, motivation, and academic achievement in African American, Hmong, Karen, Latino, American Indian, and Somali students

Philosophy
The Bridges to Success: Mentoring for Transitional Years program philosophy consists of:

• Offering culturally specific programs based on the history and values of the communities we are serving
• Strengthening the capacity of young people to reach their potential
• Building relationships at all levels of the program (from the community and school level to the mentor-student relationship)
• Implementing a shared model of leadership
• Relying on collaborative relationships to share the risks as well as the rewards

Nomination
Students with leadership potential are nominated by their teachers, principals, social workers, or school counselors to be a part of Bridges to Success Mentoring for Transitional Years.

Advisory Teams

Each Culture group has an advisory team. These advisory teams have been created to advise the Bridges to Success staff to make sure our programs are meeting the needs of each community. These teams include parents, community leaders, and St. Paul Public Schools staff. Each community has different needs and these advisory teams will help us find out what those needs are.