Join The Teen Expo at Bridge Builders COLLABORATE

Bridge Builders COLLABORATE is a year-long leadership program for rising 7th-12th grade students. The program includes a one-week summer leadership conference and six trainings, electives and community actions during the school year. 

Applications for the 2022-2023 program year open Nov. 5, 2021!

When you participate in the Bridge Builders COLLABORATE program, you’ll make connections with other youth across the Mid-South and build yourself into the leader your community needs now. 

Discover your leadership potential and become a force for positive social change by joining Bridge Builders COLLABORATE year-long program! The Bridge Builders one-year program includes:

• Bridge Builders Summer Leadership Conference
• Two Bridge Builders trainings (1 fall and 1 spring)
• Two electives (1 fall and 1 spring)
• Two community action events (1 fall and 1 spring)

Through a series of leadership and diversity trainings, electives and community action events, you’ll be:

• Motivated, courageous and self-confident
• Creative and a better communicator
• Equipped to collaborate and work effectively as part of a team
• Familiar with youth-led social change and how to lead within our organizational structure
• Ready to initiate and lead complex responses to issues that affect your life and improve the well-being of the entire community

Bridge Builders Summer Conference

Your Bridge Builders experience will begin with the Summer Leadership Conference—a week-long group experience led by BRIDGES staff. You will join a diverse group of same-aged youth from around the Memphis area. Peers who start off as strangers will soon become close friends as you team up in high-energy activities and discussions designed to build camaraderie and confidence in your skills as a leader and a critical thinker. Your summer conference experience will equip you with the tools and friendships you need to make the most of your Bridge Builders year. Students in grades 7-10 will meet daily at the BRIDGES Center from 8 am to 6 pm. Students in 11th grade will spend the overnight week-long conference at the University of Memphis, and students in 12th grade will attend conference at For the Kingdom Retreat Center.