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Our History
Our goal from the start has been to bring educational equity and opportunity to the resolute Marin City Community.
Our History
Our goal from the start has been to bring educational equity and opportunity to the vibrant Marin City community.
How We Began
In 1995, Pastor Fred Small had a vision to support the education of the youth in his Marin City congregation through tutoring. He reached out to his friend Bob Hunter to help and in turn, Bob involved Denni Brusseau to join them in their efforts to develop a community-based tutoring program with a focus on mentorship for Marin City youth. Their guiding belief was, and is, that education can change lives and change a community.
Pastor Small passed away on May 17, 2013, at the age of 82. While we miss his big heart, we are proud to carry on his mighty legacy. He opened the doors of his church so that Marin City youth would have a chance to break the cycle of intergenerational poverty through education. That vision remains at the core of Bridge the Gap College Prep’s work.
How We Began
In 1995, Pastor Fred Small had a vision to support the education of the youth in his Marin City congregation through tutoring. He reached out to his friend Bob Hunter to help and in turn, Bob involved Denni Brusseau to join them in their efforts to develop a community-based tutoring program with a focus on mentorship for Marin City youth. Their guiding belief was, and is, that education can change lives and change a community.
Pastor Small passed away on May 17, 2013, at the age of 82. While we miss his big heart, we are proud to carry on his mighty legacy. He opened the doors of his church so that Marin City youth would have a chance to break the cycle of intergenerational poverty through education. That vision remains at the core of Bridge the Gap College Prep’s work.
Growth Timeline
1995
Begin
Our founders start a tutoring program for Marin City youth from Pastor Fred’s church pews.
1995
1998
Gift
An $80,000 legacy check is received – allowing Bridge the Gap to employ tutors.
1998
2009
Grow
Grow college prep and after-school extended learning day programs launch.
2009
2012
Relocate
Moved to a larger space for greater impact.
2012
2017
Collaboration
Invited to open High School Program at Tam High School campus.
2017
2018
College
Continue our support to and through college.
2018
2020
Pivot
In-person High School Learning Hub launched due to Covid-19.
2020
2021
Support
Credit recovery program launched, helping high schoolers get the credit they need to get to college.
2021
2022
Trust
Become the official Sausalito Marin City School District provider for in-school intervention and after school enrichment.
2022
2023
Recognition
Bridge the Gap is named Nonprofit of the Year by Assemblymember Damon Connolly of the 12th District.
2023
2024
Expansion
Expand to high schools in Tomales High and Redwood High.
2024