In 1992, Johnson & Johnson launched the Bridge to Employment (BTE) initiative to inspire young people (ages 14-18) from underserved communities to stay in school, excel academically, and elevate their career aspirations. BTE helps young people build bridges to brighter futures. The program’s goal is to:
It helped me make sure that’s what I wanted. Knowing how I felt about nursing before college was a big help for me – I didn’t go into college not knowing. It solidified what I wanted to do. I went from getting my feet wet to jumping in head first.
An alumna on BTE’s effect on her career aspirations
Through academic enrichment activities, career readiness and exploration opportunities, and post-secondary education preparation, BTE students learn about various careers, gain the knowledge they need to pursue higher levels of education, and feel empowered to take the steps necessary to achieve their full potential.
Johnson & Johnson’s Bridge to Employment prepares youth for brighter futures. For over 30 years, BTE has inspired young people through academic enrichment activities, career readiness and exploration opportunities, and higher education preparation.
In 2003, Johnson & Johnson began partnering with FHI 360’s National Institute for Work & Learning (NIWL) to manage the program. This partnership – which continues today – is a key reason for the ongoing global success of the program. Bridge to Employment has run over 100 sites in communities in North America, Latin and South America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and Asia and Pacific regions. We continue to add new sites each year.
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Johnson & Johnson has more than 250 companies located in 60 countries around the world employing approximately 128,000 people. Its family of companies is organized into several business segments, including Consumer Healthcare, Medical Devices, and Pharmaceuticals.Through Johnson & Johnson’s contributions programs and active employee involvement, Johnson & Johnson exemplifies the Credo and its responsibility to the communities in which its employees live and work. Johnson & Johnson aligns its philanthropic initiatives with its expertise in four key platforms for giving: Access to Health Care, Children’s Health, Professional Development and Education, and Community Responsibility. As part of this effort, Johnson & Johnson’s Bridge to Employment (BTE) initiative addresses community needs and expands opportunities for young people in science, math, and health care.
What makes BTE different from other corporate social responsibility efforts? It is the active involvement of the Johnson & Johnson volunteers. Employees are involved in every stage of program, including selecting community partners, designing the program, and providing actual program activities and supports. It is the main reason that this program is initiated only in communities where Johnson & Johnson has a presence.
To support local programs, Johnson & Johnson partners with FHI 360’s National Institute for Work & Learning (NIWL)to manage the BTE initiative. FHI 360 works with the local communities to design, launch and implement BTE programs. Technical assistance includes: