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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
Getting Started
Founded Bridge the Gap, providing one-on-one tutoring at People’s Inter-Cities Fellowship.
1995
1998
Making it Official
Achieved nonprofit status and created first Board of Directors.
20 Students Served
1998
2009
Dreaming Bigger
Crafted our first College Prep Strategic Plan.
65 Students Served
2009
2010
Expanding Our Reach
Expanded mission and name to include College Prep. Added an afterschool extended learning day program for 4th – 8th graders.
92 Students Served
2010
2012
Finding Our Home
Moved to Center in Golden Gate Village housing complex. Added formal High School program.
120 Students Served
2012
2017
Branching Out
Moved High School Program to Tamalpais High School campus.
132 Students Served
30 Students in College
2017
2018
Deepening Our Support
Hired a College and Career Success Manager and High School Class Deans.
245 Students Served
2018
2020
Adapting Our Programs
Launched an in-person High School Learning Hub and adapted all programs for remote learning due to Covid-19.
278 Students Served
40 Students in College
2020
Became the official provider of the Sausalito Marin City School District Extended Day Program and added In-School Literacy Intervention.
430 Students Served
15 Full Time Staff
2022