Bridgegood

BRIDGEGOOD connects low-income design students of color with real-world experiences at leading tech companies. With 70% of Californias community college students dropping out and 80% of recent grads struggling without tech and design skills our Jack London Square community studio is driving change. We offer tuition-free programs for students while providing local businesses with projects designed by our graduates. These projects are led by BRIDGEGOOD alumni and motivated community college design students showcasing local talent mentored by industry leaders. Our tailored programs for individuals aged 18+ build essential job skills for success in the competitive graphic and visual design market across Northern California. Our notable partners include Google Golden State Warriors Twilio San Francisco 49ers Oakland Athletics City of Oakland and Adobe.

The Inspiration Awards BRIDGEGOODs annual Gala celebrates leadership positive impact and the power of design for social good in our community. This event honors our students graduates and volunteers while spotlighting three Bay Area changemakers who are transforming our local landscape through Innovation Technology Business and Education. These honorees join a distinguished group of socially-minded CEOs and leaders from organizations like Google Amazon Golden State Warriors Cal State East Bay and Disney. They exemplify the transformative power of diverse voices and perspectives. Research shows that companies with diverse teams are 33% more likely to outperform their peers highlighting the essential role of varied perspectives in driving success. Since its founding on July 31 2009 BRIDGEGOOD has impacted over 13,500 students delivering an $9.2 million return on investment through job training career exposure and professional opportunities in design and tech. This gala is a celebration of leadership inspiration and authenticity demonstrating how embracing diversity elevates both individuals and the collective success of our community.

Inspire Oakland empowers over 1,300 under-resourced design students aged 18 to 34 through a 4-month career readiness program that includes design training resume building and professional development. This initiative features a multi-module workforce program and a regionwide design challenge enhancing entrepreneurship skills for youth of color. Supporting up to 50 schools each year it strengthens existing graphic design programs with essential professional development and digital literacy sessions promoting economic success and internship opportunities. Participants gain hard skills like Adobe Photoshop and receive career counseling from tech and business professionals. The design challenge invites participants to create billboards and new media on the theme "What about Oakland inspires you?" The top 20 receive recognition and paid opportunities while the top six secure commercial media placements generating over 90 million impressions globally.