From a Marriott family commitment to 12 U.S. cities.
A national workforce partner placing young adults with disabilities into real jobs across 12 U.S. cities. Founded by the Marriott family in 1989.
The Marriott family started Bridges to answer a simple question.
Every year, young people with disabilities leave high school ready to work, and face an economy that too often shuts them out. In 1989, Richard E. Marriott (chairman of Host Hotels and Resorts, and a son of Marriott company founders J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott) helped lead the creation of Bridges from School to Work to answer that. The first placements began the following year.
From the program’s launch through 2000, Mark R. Donovan served as the organization’s first executive director. Mr. Marriott remains closely involved today, visiting Bridges offices and hosting the organization’s annual gala in Washington, DC.
Bridges’ approach hasn’t fundamentally changed in 37+ years. We prepare young adults with disabilities for the workplace. We place them with employers ready to hire. And we stay involved after hire with structured onboarding and retention support. Better outcomes for young adults. A more reliable entry-level pipeline for employers.
37+ years of growth
From one city to 12: Bridges has expanded steadily since 1989.
- 1989
Bridges founded by the Marriott family in Washington, D.C.
- 1990
Chicago and San Francisco programs launch
- 1992
Los Angeles program opens
- 1996
Atlanta program begins serving metro area
- 1999
Philadelphia program established
- 2005
Dallas program launches in North Texas
- 2007
East Bay / Richmond program opens in California
- 2017
Boston and Fort Worth programs launch
- 2018
New York City program begins
- 2026
DC Metro program established
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Strategic Plan 2025–2027
A multi-year plan to grow our reach and place more young adults with disabilities into meaningful jobs each year.
More about Bridges
Meet the team carrying this work forward, or read what we believe.