Text Box:   B.R.I.D.G.E. HISTORY In the late 1980’s, the governor of Georgia asked   citizens, public servants, and various state agencies to study the issue of job creation. To answer that challenge, Columbus Jobs Council was formed in 1988. The council was made up of local businesses, churches, and social service agencies.  Columbus Jobs Council was concerned about the plight of the long-term poor and unemployed people in Columbus.  In 1993, B.R.I.D.G.E. of Columbus, Inc. originated, modeled after a highly successful program based in Charlotte, NC.  B.R.I.D.G.E. (Building Responsible Individuals through Discipline, Guidance, and Education), is a program which targets young adults, age 18-24, who have dropped out of high school and are either unemployed or  underemployed, but who have hopes to improve their standard of living and quality of life.  B.R.I.D.G.E. offers these individuals assistance obtaining their General Education Development diploma (GED) and the very basic skills it takes to navigate through this life-changing experience. The concept of providing hands-on instruction, as well as life skill seminars, is a concept that works.  The B.R.I.D.G.E. program is completely free to the students and includes bus passes and lunch.  Another incentive for B.R.I.D.G.E. graduates is paid registration fees upon entrance to any of the local colleges or universities.  B.R.I.D.G.E. is an intensive 12-week program that assists young males & females not only with obtaining their GED, but also teaches life skills.  The course is designed to build self-esteem and to prove to students that through their own efforts, they can succeed by applying themselves through self-discipline and hard work.  Currently B.R.I.D.G.E. offers three classes per year, enrolling 15-20 students per class.  Students completing the program have 80-90% success rate of earning their GED. B.R.I.D.G.E. graduates have entered college, secured gainful employment, entered the military, and become productive citizens .