Stories

Real young adults. Real employers. Real outcomes.

Each story below is a Bridges journey: career exploration, preparation, placement, and the long-term support that turns a first job into a career.

Yasemin K. in a gray blazer outside the Barclays Center entrance in Brooklyn, smiling at the camera. Yasemin works at Barclays Center as a Guest Associate. Photographed during the 2025 Bridges National Gala video shoot.

Participant StoryBarclays Center

Yasemin K., featured at the 2025 Bridges National Gala

Featured at the 2025 Bridges Gala: Yasemin K. moved to NYC from Turkey on her own, became a Guest Associate at Barclays Center, and finished her first NYC Marathon in 2024.

Brooklyn, NYMay 6, 2026

Aaron is one of my 'go-to' people in the office. He's on a management track here which may come sooner than later.

· Bank of America

Participant StoryBank of America

On a management track at Bank of America

Aaron Reed went from temp to full-time to two employee achievement awards at Bank of America in Dallas, with his supervisor describing him as on a management track.

Dallas, TXMay 5, 2026

Participant StoryU.S. Railroad Retirement Board

From sales associate to federal claims assistant

Aisha Buford-Morrison moved from Dylan's Candy Bar to Accenture to a unionized claims assistant role with the U.S. Railroad Retirement Board.

Chicago, ILMay 5, 2026

Ash Kravitz in Oakland, from the 2021 Stephen G. Marriott Youth Achievement Award video

Participant StoryAmazon

Oakland participant promoted at Amazon, 2021 honoree

Ash Kravitz of Oakland received the 2021 Stephen G. Marriott Youth Achievement Award after a holiday hire at Amazon converted to a permanent role and a promotion within two months.

Oakland, CAMay 5, 2026

Participant StoryHome Depot

Earning Homer Awards as a lot associate at Home Depot Oakland

Ben, 21 and on the autism spectrum, works as a lot associate at Home Depot in Oakland and has been recognized by co-workers for excellent customer service.

Oakland, CAMay 5, 2026

Calvin Pegram talking-head portrait from his My Bridges Story video, Philadelphia

Participant StoryCleanlogic

A production associate at Cleanlogic near Valley Forge

Calvin Pegram has spent more than two years as a production associate at Cleanlogic, a sustainable bath and body care manufacturer near Valley Forge.

Philadelphia, PAMay 5, 2026

Participant StoryAccenture

From courtesy clerk to Accenture event producer

Christian Sullivan grew from a Jewel-Osco courtesy clerk into an Accenture event express associate producing virtual town halls in Chicago.

Chicago, ILMay 5, 2026

Corina Rodriguez at Universal Studios Hollywood, with the iconic Universal globe in the background, smiling at the camera

Participant StoryUniversal Studios Hollywood

From reserved to leading at Universal Studios Hollywood

Corina Rodriguez moved from one and two-word answers to full confidence as a patio host and matron at Universal Studios Hollywood.

Los Angeles, CAMay 5, 2026

Participant StoryJPMorgan Chase

First Dallas-Fort Worth BeST grad at JPMorgan Chase

At 18, Daniel completed JPMorgan Chase's BeST internship and converted to a 30-hour-per-week transactions specialist role with benefits.

Dallas/Fort Worth, TXMay 5, 2026

Participant StoryTesla

Got his license in two weeks for the Tesla job

After working Giants games at Oracle Park, Ed P. landed a Tesla Production Associate role in Fremont and got his license in two weeks to make the commute.

San Francisco, CAMay 5, 2026

Participant StoryWaterside Workshops

Building boats at Waterside Workshops in Berkeley

Graham, diagnosed with autism at age four, started a paid internship at a Berkeley boat-building shop where Bridges placed him.

Berkeley, CAMay 5, 2026

6 years

Accenture tenure

Associate degree, IT · credential earned

Participant StoryAccenture

From Regal Cinema to six years at Accenture

A West Philadelphia HS grad, Greg started at Regal Cinema, worked two years at the Philly Marriott, and is now six years into Accenture as an IT help desk specialist.

Philadelphia, PAMay 5, 2026

Participant StoryCBRE

Keeping Microsoft's Arlington hub running for CBRE

Jacques Merkerson is a common area reset coordinator for CBRE at the Microsoft Innovation Hub in Arlington, Virginia.

Arlington, VAMay 5, 2026

Participant StoryAtlanta Airport Marriott Hotel

Supporting himself and his sister at Atlanta Airport Marriott

Jakobe Glover is a full-time food runner at Atlanta Airport Marriott Hotel and Bentleys steakhouse, sharing an apartment with his twin sister.

Atlanta, GAMay 5, 2026

Participant StorySheraton Dallas Hotel

Ten years at Sheraton Dallas, promoted to Engineer II

Jonathan Hernandez celebrated ten years at Sheraton Dallas, the largest hotel in Texas, after earning his promotion to Engineer II.

Dallas, TXMay 5, 2026

Participant StoryJPMorgan Chase

Hired as Transaction Specialists at JPMorgan Chase

Jordan Jackson and Bianca Tinsley converted from a 60-day paid internship into Transaction Specialist roles on JPMorgan Chase's BeST team in Chicago.

Chicago, ILMay 5, 2026

Participant StoryHyatt

Five years of employment at Hyatt Dallas

Kevin Cartier marked his five-year anniversary at the Hyatt in Dallas in November 2022, recognized by his manager with a certificate and gift.

Dallas, TXMay 5, 2026

Kiana smiling on the National Mall in Washington DC, from her My Bridges Story video

Participant StoryPhiladelphia Police Department

Bridges to Marriott to Philadelphia police officer

Kiana joined Bridges as a struggling young adult, was placed at the Marriott, became a Philadelphia police officer, returned to Bridges as a volunteer mentor in 2018, and is now a Department of Justice fellow in Washington, DC.

Philadelphia, PAMay 5, 2026

Kyla Stewart at her workplace, Sloomoo Institute Atlanta

Participant StoryAtlanta-area employer

From shy student to leader, recognized by Bridges in Atlanta

Atlanta participant Kyla Stewart's job match transformed her from a shy young woman into one taking on leadership roles, her grandmother shared with Bridges.

Atlanta, GAMay 5, 2026

Marco Beltran outside in Seattle, in a gray button-up and dark jacket, with a city bus blurred in the background

Participant StorySeattle-area school (paraprofessional)

Bay Area participant turned Seattle paraprofessional

Marco Beltran, a former Bay Area Bridges participant, received the 2023 Stephen G. Marriott Youth Achievement Award and works as a paraprofessional in Seattle.

Seattle, WAMay 5, 2026

Omar Evans in a white W Hotels chef coat washing pots at a stainless-steel kitchen sink at the W Dallas Victory Hotel, kitchen tools hanging overhead

Participant StoryW Dallas Victory Hotel & Residences

From stewarding to risk officer at W Dallas Victory

Omar Evans worked his way from Renaissance Dallas steward to risk officer at W Dallas Victory Hotel, earning the 2011 Bridges Dallas Youth Achievement Award along the way.

Dallas, TXMay 5, 2026

Steven Chew in his San Francisco Zoo cap

Participant StorySan Francisco Zoo

Stephen G. Marriott Leadership Award at the San Francisco Zoo

Steven Chew sought out Bridges himself and earned the 2016 Stephen G. Marriott Leadership Award working at the San Francisco Zoo.

San Francisco, CAMay 5, 2026

Participant StoryOmni Seaport Hotel

Service Champion at the Omni Seaport in Boston

Terence Vasquez is a front desk agent at the 1,054-room Omni Seaport Hotel in Boston and was named a Front of House Omni Service Champion.

Boston, MAMay 5, 2026

Tim Acton, lead banquet server, setting forks at a banquet table under the chandelier at the Bethesda North Marriott and Conference Center

Participant StoryBethesda North Marriott and Conference Center

From banquet attendant to Marriott Award of Excellence

Tim Acton became the first-ever Bridges participant to win the J. Willard Marriott Award of Excellence and now serves as a lead banquet server at Bethesda North Marriott.

Bethesda, MDMay 5, 2026

Participant StoryOld Navy

Old Navy, soccer coaching, and a statewide CTI role

A Therrell HS senior, Ty'Shai works at Old Navy, was named Parliamentarian of Georgia's CTI program, and coaches Soccer in the Streets.

Atlanta, GAMay 5, 2026

Participant StoryCBRE

Five years at Accenture, now CBRE concierge

An Overbrook HS '16 grad, Velaye spent five years at Accenture before moving to CBRE as concierge for a global pharmaceutical account.

Philadelphia, PAMay 5, 2026

William Bedford in Chicago, from his 2022 Stephen G. Marriott Youth Achievement Award video

Participant Story

Chicago participant honored at the 2022 Bridges gala

William Bedford received the 2022 Stephen G. Marriott Youth Achievement Award at the Bridges annual gala in Washington, DC.

Chicago, ILMay 5, 2026

He's got a great personality and that's what we look for when we hire people. Xander has a lot to offer an employer and I'm glad we snagged him.

· Landmark Theater

Participant StoryLandmark Theater

From a new city to confidence at the Landmark Theater

After his family moved from Denver to Atlanta, Xander Lim found his footing at a Landmark Theater while taking college courses toward a video-game-design career.

Atlanta, GAMay 5, 2026

1+ year

Tenure

AMC Theaters Boston Common · hired

Participant StoryAMC Theaters Boston Common

One year at AMC, and trained on the box office

Alex came to Bridges through a Brookline High school trip and was hired at AMC Boston Common as a crew member two months later. A year in, after a raise and box-office training, he plans to stay.

Boston, MAMay 4, 2026

Denisse Beltre Cabral in her AMC crew member uniform in the Bridges Boston office lobby, on her way to her first shift at AMC Theaters in May 2025

Participant StoryAMC Theaters

Promoted to crew lead in under a year

Denisse was a Snowden International senior when she came to Bridges. Hired at AMC in May 2025, she crossed 90 days, picked up multi-station shifts, and was promoted to crew lead the following spring.

Boston, MAMay 4, 2026

It was one of the best things that's happened to me. It has taught me a whole lot!

· Walgreens

Participant StoryWalgreens

From apprentice to Licensed Pharmacy Technician, Northeastern next

Honey was hired at Walgreens as a Pharmacy Tech apprentice in February 2023. After 500+ hours and a passing exam, she earned her Licensed Pharmacy Technician credential and started Northeastern's pre-med track.

Boston, MAMay 4, 2026

Promoted

Shift lead, 3 months in

Hired

Ben & Jerry's

Participant StoryBen & Jerry's

Hired through a friend. Promoted in three months.

Jayson was referred by his friend Jeffrey, hired at Ben & Jerry's in August 2025, and promoted to shift lead by November after a regional manager noticed his work ethic.

Boston, MAMay 4, 2026

Tenure

11 months at Finish Line

Next step

U.S. Army basic training

Participant StoryFinish Line

From a heartbreak interview to Finish Line, then the Army

Veronica was a TechBoston Academy senior when an interview at Regina Pizzeria fell through. She kept applying. A month later, Finish Line hired her, and a year after that, she enlisted in the Army.

Boston, MAMay 4, 2026

3+ months

Tenure

Lucky Strike Entertainment · hired

Participant StoryLucky Strike Entertainment

He walked to the interview

Elvis came to Bridges hard to read, comprehension challenges, late to school every day. The first big surprise was when he turned up at his interview alone. He's been at Lucky Strike three months and counting.

New York, NYApril 25, 2026

Xsenia Marina Bullock, full-time Administrative Clerk at Trucker Huss APC

Participant StoryTrucker Huss, APC

Eight years at Trucker Huss, an A.A. degree, and now studying legal innovation

Xsenia started at Bridges in 2017, nervous, dropped off by her older sister. Eight years later, she's a full-time Administrative Clerk at the law firm Trucker Huss APC, with an A.A. degree from City College of San Francisco and a current enrollment at Next Gen Legal.

Bay Area (San Francisco), CAApril 25, 2026

Studying at

Brooklyn College

Pre-ETS engagement

Worksite tours + workshops + 2 program videos

Participant StoryBrooklyn College

Education first, and Pre-ETS along the way

Ahmed prioritized college over a job, but stayed deeply involved with Bridges Pre-ETS, even filming two videos for the program.

New York, NYApril 22, 2026

Accepted to

San Francisco State University, Psychology

Recent offer

Management role at current job

Participant StoryMultiple — current employer offered management role

From a 504 plan to a management offer and SF State for Psychology

Bryan once navigated emotional and behavioral struggles under a 504 plan, and there were real concerns about whether he could handle work and school. He's now in his final semester of community college, accepted to SF State for Psychology, and was just offered a management role.

Bay Area (Richmond), CAApril 22, 2026

Current role

Office aide, MA State House

Career path

Zoo → nonprofit → state senate

Participant StoryMassachusetts State House (Senator Eldridge's office)

From the zoo to the State House

Ewidji wanted a job where he could talk to people and help them, no retail, no restaurants. Three years and three roles later, he's an office aide at the Massachusetts State House.

Boston, MAApril 22, 2026

Give me ten more like Rhys!

· Jewel-Osco

Employer FeatureJewel-Osco

490 hires since 1990

For more than three decades, Jewel-Osco has been a Bridges partner. Since 1990, they've hired 490 Bridges participants, building inclusive workplaces, supportive management, and real career pathways.

Chicago, ILApril 22, 2026

Bridges participants featured

Leroy, Kenney, Ke'Von

Tenure span

Pandemic-era hires through 2-year anniversary

Employer FeatureMariano's

Patience, promotions, and tenure that compounds

Mariano's has hired Bridges participants throughout the pandemic and after. Leroy, Kenney, and Ke'Von have all stayed long enough to build careers, including a promotion to supervisor and a 2-year anniversary.

Chicago, ILApril 22, 2026

Demetrius Terrell on his day off in Center City Philadelphia, 14-year alumnus of the Ritz-Carlton Philadelphia

Participant StoryRitz-Carlton Philadelphia

16 years at the Ritz-Carlton, plus a clothing brand, a podcast, and Vogue Italia

Demetrius started at the Ritz-Carlton Philadelphia in October 2010, in a role created specifically for Bridges youth. Sixteen years later, he's in Guest Relations, and he's also a registered LLC, a freelance stylist, a Vogue Italia feature, and the host of a podcast.

Philadelphia, PAApril 20, 2026

8 students

Hires this spring

Zoo Atlanta + NCCHR Museum · locations

Employer FeatureSSA Group at Zoo Atlanta

Eight hires this spring, and an interview process built for our students

SSA Group at Zoo Atlanta has hired eight Bridges students this spring, trained their staff to work alongside our participants, and just expanded the partnership to the National Center for Civil and Human Rights Museum.

Atlanta, GAApril 20, 2026

Hired into

Shop Technician role at Coca-Cola

Studying at

Atlanta Technical College

Participant StoryThe Coca-Cola Company

Hired as a Shop Technician with The Coca-Cola Company

Jayson came to Bridges out of Maynard Jackson High School and Atlanta Technical College, motivated, prepared, and ready. His Bridges YES recognized him immediately. So did Coca-Cola.

Atlanta, GAApril 18, 2026

Recognition

Employee of the Month — honored on the field

Trajectory

Manager wants him on the management track

Participant StoryAramark CBP

Honored on the field. On the management track.

Marqual is John's favorite employee at Aramark CBP. He's already received an employee of the month award and was honored on the field. John wants to put him on the management track.

Philadelphia, PAApril 18, 2026

Promoted to

Operational Specialist (Supply + Printing)

Status

Full-time at JPMorgan Chase

Participant StoryJPMorgan Chase

From Supply Apprentice to full-time at JPMorgan Chase

Rodney was offered a Supply Apprentice role with Chase's BeST Team early. Attendance was the early hurdle. He worked through it, and is now full-time, supporting the Supply and Printing Stations.

Chicago, ILApril 16, 2026

1+ year

Tenure

New staff at her store · now mentoring

Participant StoryUnique Thrift Store

From severe anxiety to mentoring new hires

When Aschlie joined Bridges, severe anxiety made workplace interactions feel impossible. A year into her cashier role, she's mentoring new staff, and ready to take her customer-service skills into a receptionist role.

Chicago, ILApril 15, 2026

Ricardo Crawford in cap and gown at his 2026 graduation

Participant StorySodexo Magic

270 days at the Delta Sky Club, and counting

A North Atlanta High senior balances varsity basketball, weekends at one of the busiest Delta lounges in the country, and college applications, and his GM says he's a great young man.

Atlanta, GAApril 15, 2026

Hired into

Cashier role at Circle Line

Studying

Business and marketing

Participant StoryCircle Line

Twenty rejections, then a yes

Richard wants to open his own clothing shop. After almost a year of door-to-door applications and twenty no's, his first yes came from a different industry, and he took it as a stepping stone.

New York, NYApril 15, 2026

Traveon Benjamin in a gray pinstripe suit at a Bridges Dallas-Fort Worth honoree event, wearing a Bridges medal on a teal ribbon, smiling at the camera

Participant StoryAramark Uniform Services

Eight years at Aramark, and managers who have to force him to take PTO

Traveon has worked at Aramark Uniform Services for eight years. He started part-time, is now full-time with benefits, trains new co-workers, and his managers have to force him to use his PTO, he never misses work.

Dallas/Fort Worth, TXApril 15, 2026

Faith at the PetSmart Banfield Pet Hospital counter, smiling, with stuffed animals on the counter behind her

Participant StoryPetSmart

Asked for tips. Got their hours back. Now studying to be a Vet Tech.

Six months into their job at PetSmart, Faith's hours started getting cut. They asked their manager why, and what they could do about it. Their hours came back, and they're about to start vet-tech classes.

Chicago, ILApril 14, 2026

First interview

Hired on the spot at Jewel-Osco

Goal

Full-time + independent living

Participant StoryJewel-Osco

Hired on the spot. His first interview ever.

Timothy had never worked, never interviewed, never traveled independently on public transit. His first interview ever was at Jewel-Osco. They hired him on the spot.

Chicago, ILApril 13, 2026

7.5 months

Tenure (Starbucks)

Dunkin' crew, Boston Medical Center · current role

Participant StoryDunkin' (Boston Medical Center)

When her Starbucks closed, she found a busier shop

Gloria worked 7.5 months at Starbucks, opened her first 401(k), and memorized her regulars' orders. When her location closed, she job-searched her way to Dunkin', at one of Boston's busiest shops.

Boston, MAApril 12, 2026

2.5+ years

Tenure

Teaching Assistant → Teacher · career trajectory

Participant StoryChildcare Careers / Crystal Stairs Head Start

Teaching Assistant by day. Studying education by night.

Magdalyn has worked as a Teaching Assistant since September 2023, first across multiple campuses, now permanently at Crystal Stairs Head Start. Her current job is the entry to her future career: she's studying to become a teacher.

Los Angeles, CAApril 12, 2026

Rejection can be protection.

· Healthcare

Participant StoryHealthcare

From a Special Education Diploma to a Doctor of Nursing Practice

When Nieva learned that her diploma track wouldn't let her go to college, she switched. Two decades later, she's Dr. Nieva Goines, Doctor of Nursing Practice, married to a fellow Bridges alumnus.

Atlanta, GAApril 12, 2026

First job

Courtesy Clerk at Jewel-Osco

Currently

Part-time + college degree

Participant StoryJewel-Osco

From "I can't even get through an interview" to a job and a college degree

Jacob's anxiety made interviews feel impossible. He earned his first job as a Courtesy Clerk at Jewel-Osco. Today he's a part-time employee, and pursuing his college degree.

Chicago, ILApril 11, 2026

Working at Methodist Hospital during my senior year of high school was a dream job for me.

· Aramark / Methodist Hospital

Participant StoryAramark / Methodist Hospital

Four years at Methodist, and just getting started

Ayrulan was DFW's Bridges Student of the Year. Born with spina bifida and kidney issues, she spent her childhood in hospitals, and decided early she wanted to work in one.

Dallas/Fort Worth, TXApril 10, 2026

18+ months

Tenure

Fordham University · studying at

Participant StoryNew York Public Library

From shelving books to a Fordham sophomore year

Cloudy enrolled with Bridges in July, started at the New York Public Library by October, and is still there a year and a half later, while attending Fordham and applying to legal-outreach internships.

New York, NYApril 10, 2026

Ke'Von with a product display at Mariano's

Participant StoryMariano's

Two-year anniversary as a Grocery Clerk

Ke'Von found his fit at Mariano's, where his managers' guidance and the store's inclusive culture taught him persistence and professionalism. He's now celebrating his two-year anniversary as a Grocery Clerk.

Chicago, ILApril 10, 2026

Give me ten more like Rhys!

· Jewel-Osco

Participant StoryJewel-Osco

"Give me ten more like Rhys."

Rhys was new to Chicago and recovering from significant trauma. His Jewel-Osco manager was patient. Months later, that manager was saying "Give me ten more like Rhys." Then Rhys helped Alexis get hired too.

Chicago, ILApril 10, 2026

I am nice.

· Levy Concessions at Wrigley Field

Participant StoryLevy Concessions at Wrigley Field

"I am nice."

Ashley couldn't answer most of the recruiter's questions in full sentences. The last question was about excellent customer service. "I am nice," she said. He hired her on the spot.

Chicago, ILApril 9, 2026

Participant StoryMariano's

Hired as an overnight grocery stocker. Promoted to overnight supervisor a year later.

Kenney joined Bridges in early 2021. Mariano's hired him as an overnight grocery stocker. A year later, he was promoted to overnight supervisor.

Chicago, ILApril 9, 2026

Jan 2026

Successfully closed from Bridges

Chipotle Crew Member, Jan 2025 · hired

Participant StoryChipotle

A year at Chipotle, school in parallel

Anthony enrolled with Bridges in December 2024. By January, he was at Chipotle. A year later, his manager calls him a valued team member, and the additional income lets him attend school part-time.

Los Angeles, CAApril 8, 2026

Participant StoryJewel-Osco

Hired as a Front-End Clerk. Inspired his classmates to join Bridges.

Brian joined Bridges through a job club at his high school. After early setbacks, he was hired as a Front-End Clerk at a nearby Jewel-Osco, and his story has since inspired other students to explore the program.

Chicago, ILApril 8, 2026

6 months

Promoted in

+$1/hour · raise

Participant StoryThe Home Depot

From cashier to Special Services Associate, six months in

Dylan started at the South Bay Home Depot as a part-time cashier in April 2025. Six months later, he was promoted to Special Services Associate, and got a $1-an-hour raise.

Boston, MAApril 8, 2026

Participant StoryMariano's

A year of pandemic-era persistence. Then his own apartment.

Leroy joined Bridges in 2020, mid-pandemic. After a year of persistence, he found the right fit at Mariano's. Today he's living in his own apartment.

Chicago, ILApril 8, 2026

Participant StoryJewel-Osco

A summer at Jewel-Osco. A senior year focused on school. An open invitation back.

Axl was a quiet, shy high school junior eager for his first paycheck. With interview prep from Bridges, he overcame the nerves. He worked the summer, focused on senior year, and Jewel-Osco told him they'd welcome him back.

Chicago, ILApril 7, 2026

Participant StoryJewel-Osco → Construction

Jewel-Osco gave him time to recover. He came back to a career.

Francisco was eager to work but faced serious health challenges that delayed his start. Jewel-Osco gave him the time he needed. A year later, he was full-time. After more than a year, he moved into a career in construction.

Chicago, ILApril 6, 2026

Austin with his Jewel-Osco manager and a Bridges award certificate

Participant StoryJewel-Osco

His first job. His first step toward independence.

Austin was extremely shy and anxious during his interview, speaking very little. His manager saw past that and gave him the chance. By the time Austin left for college, he was a dependable, valued member of the team.

Chicago, ILApril 5, 2026

2025 U.S. Open

Recent gigs

UBS Arena, Citi Field, MSG, Barclays · venues

Participant StoryUBS Arena, Citi Field, MSG, Barclays

Four arenas, one persistence

Two weeks after his first Bridges meeting, Fabrizzio was hired at UBS Arena. A year later, he was working at four of New York's biggest venues, and is now working toward his security license.

New York, NYApril 5, 2026

Veronica Vollaro, Rookie of the Month at Legends Hospitality

Participant StoryCircle Line / Legends Hospitality

First female Porter at Circle Line, and Rookie of the Month

After being passed over for the warehouse role she wanted, Veronica didn't quit. She came back to Circle Line for a different opening, got hired on the spot, and became their first female Porter.

New York, NYMarch 15, 2026

Participant StoryAccenture

Proving them wrong, one shift at a time

Tasha was told she'd face limits because of her disability. Eight years and a promotion later, she's still proving them wrong, and now studying business at Mercer University.

Atlanta, GASeptember 15, 2025

Ku in front of the Lionel Train Adventure entrance at Lincoln Park Zoo, wearing a Lincoln Park Chicago sweatshirt

Participant StoryLincoln Park Zoo

Ready, on day one

Bridges helped Ku prepare for the job, the interview, and everything in between.

Chicago, ILJuly 22, 2025

Bobby Williams in front of his store's 'Now Hiring' poster at The Home Depot Midtown Atlanta, Homer Award badges pinned to his apron

Participant StoryThe Home Depot

The face of 'Now Hiring'

In under a year at Home Depot's Midtown Atlanta store, Bobby's picture ended up on Now Hiring posters nationwide, and three Homer Awards on his apron.

Atlanta, GAMarch 1, 2025

Nick Bell (left) and Max (right) at the Claremont Club & Spa Kids' Club in Oakland — Nick was a 2018 Bridges placement, Max joined the team in 2024

Participant StoryClaremont Club & Spa (Fairmont)

Paying it forward in the East Bay

Bridges placed Nick at a neighborhood Kids' Club in 2018. Six years later, he's the one doing the hiring.

Oakland, CANovember 1, 2024

Atlanta Accenture summer interns with mentor Tasha Lewis

Employer FeatureAccenture

Why Accenture keeps hiring through Bridges

A CEO on the board. 12 hires across multiple offices. Three paid summer interns who are now college freshmen. Accenture's partnership with Bridges is a model of what's possible when employers lean in.

NationalOctober 1, 2024

Participant StoryAramark at Capital One

Cafeteria pro at Capital One, Special Olympics swimmer

Cameron Delafield, 25, works full-time in the Capital One cafeteria run by Aramark in Plano, Texas and competes in Special Olympics swim meets.

Plano, TXAugust 1, 2024

Pedro prepping vegetables in the kitchen at the Dallas Renaissance Hotel, where he works full-time as a prep cook

Participant StoryDallas Renaissance Hotel

A culinary career, one year in

Pedro, 20, is already past his one-year anniversary as a prep cook at the Dallas Renaissance, and referring friends to apply.

Dallas, TXAugust 1, 2024

Paul Cox in a red Michaels apron at the Artistree manufacturing facility in Grapevine, TX, glasses on, smiling at the camera

Participant StoryArtistree (Michaels)

Every day is a miracle

Paul's mom feared her son, who has an intellectual disability, would never find work. Three years later, he's full-time with benefits.

Grapevine, TXFebruary 1, 2024

Real young adults. Real employers. Real outcomes.

Browse stories

Yasemin K., featured at the 2025 Bridges National Gala

On a management track at Bank of America

From sales associate to federal claims assistant

Oakland participant promoted at Amazon, 2021 honoree

Earning Homer Awards as a lot associate at Home Depot Oakland

A production associate at Cleanlogic near Valley Forge

From courtesy clerk to Accenture event producer

From reserved to leading at Universal Studios Hollywood

First Dallas-Fort Worth BeST grad at JPMorgan Chase

Got his license in two weeks for the Tesla job

Building boats at Waterside Workshops in Berkeley

From Regal Cinema to six years at Accenture

Keeping Microsoft's Arlington hub running for CBRE

Supporting himself and his sister at Atlanta Airport Marriott

Ten years at Sheraton Dallas, promoted to Engineer II

Hired as Transaction Specialists at JPMorgan Chase

Five years of employment at Hyatt Dallas

Bridges to Marriott to Philadelphia police officer

From shy student to leader, recognized by Bridges in Atlanta

Bay Area participant turned Seattle paraprofessional

From stewarding to risk officer at W Dallas Victory

Stephen G. Marriott Leadership Award at the San Francisco Zoo

Service Champion at the Omni Seaport in Boston

From banquet attendant to Marriott Award of Excellence

Old Navy, soccer coaching, and a statewide CTI role

Five years at Accenture, now CBRE concierge

Chicago participant honored at the 2022 Bridges gala

From a new city to confidence at the Landmark Theater

One year at AMC, and trained on the box office

Promoted to crew lead in under a year

From apprentice to Licensed Pharmacy Technician, Northeastern next

Hired through a friend. Promoted in three months.

From a heartbreak interview to Finish Line, then the Army

He walked to the interview

Eight years at Trucker Huss, an A.A. degree, and now studying legal innovation

Education first, and Pre-ETS along the way

From a 504 plan to a management offer and SF State for Psychology

From the zoo to the State House

490 hires since 1990

Patience, promotions, and tenure that compounds

16 years at the Ritz-Carlton, plus a clothing brand, a podcast, and Vogue Italia

Eight hires this spring, and an interview process built for our students

Hired as a Shop Technician with The Coca-Cola Company

Honored on the field. On the management track.

From Supply Apprentice to full-time at JPMorgan Chase

From severe anxiety to mentoring new hires

270 days at the Delta Sky Club, and counting

Twenty rejections, then a yes

Eight years at Aramark, and managers who have to force him to take PTO

Asked for tips. Got their hours back. Now studying to be a Vet Tech.

Hired on the spot. His first interview ever.

When her Starbucks closed, she found a busier shop

Teaching Assistant by day. Studying education by night.

From a Special Education Diploma to a Doctor of Nursing Practice

From "I can't even get through an interview" to a job and a college degree

Four years at Methodist, and just getting started

From shelving books to a Fordham sophomore year

Two-year anniversary as a Grocery Clerk

"Give me ten more like Rhys."

"I am nice."

Hired as an overnight grocery stocker. Promoted to overnight supervisor a year later.

A year at Chipotle, school in parallel

Hired as a Front-End Clerk. Inspired his classmates to join Bridges.

From cashier to Special Services Associate, six months in

A year of pandemic-era persistence. Then his own apartment.

A summer at Jewel-Osco. A senior year focused on school. An open invitation back.

Jewel-Osco gave him time to recover. He came back to a career.

His first job. His first step toward independence.

Four arenas, one persistence

First female Porter at Circle Line, and Rookie of the Month

Proving them wrong, one shift at a time

Ready, on day one

The face of 'Now Hiring'

Paying it forward in the East Bay

Why Accenture keeps hiring through Bridges

Cafeteria pro at Capital One, Special Olympics swimmer

A culinary career, one year in

Every day is a miracle