What is Bridge to Hope’s relationship with First-to-Work?
Bridge to Hope (BTH) is a University of Hawai’i program which specifically serves First-to-Work participating students. Participation in BTH is voluntary and is intended to assist students in meeting FTW employment requirements while successfully balancing school, work and family demands. Both FTW and BTH are bound by strict confidentiality requirements and may only share information when permission is specifically granted by the client/student. Bridge to Hope does not “enforce” FTW rules, but all BTH program policies are in compliance with FTW requirements. Bridge to Hope staff are University educators; First-to-Work staff are welfare case managers. The two state agencies have partnered to offer FTW participants access to and support for college education as a strategy for achieving economic self-sufficiency. Additionally, BTH is available to assist students with understanding and succeeding within both agencies’ culture and expectations.
