In September 2018, Johnson & Johnson in partnership with Rutgers University (ODASIS) and New Brunswick Public Schools launched a new Bridge to Employment program in New Brunswick, New Jersey.
Targeting 50 Grade 10 students enrolled at New Brunswick High School (NBHS) or New Brunswick Health Sciences Technology High School (NBHSTHS), the three-year program will provide a variety of academic enrichment, career exploration, and higher education preparation opportunities in order to increase in the number of young people completing higher education and pursuing careers in the health or science sectors. Specific program activities and support will be implemented throughout each program year to ensure students meet the designed yearly short-term outcomes.
Key activities in Year 1 include:
- Saturday Program: a bi-weekly Saturday Academic Support Program targeting core subjects (Math, English, Science & History), study methods, and skillsets.
- Applied Learning Project: a year-long, team-based learning project that will focus on how artificial intelligence and virtual reality can be used to improve patient care; students will conduct research, evaluate data, or formulate statistical information and present their project at the end of the school year.
- Company Tours: field trips and tours at Johnson & Johnson World Headquarters and its local operating companies.
- Career Readiness Workshops: monthly workshops during the months of September through May. Students will be introduced to the Johnson & Johnson Credo, as well as learn effective communication and presentation skills. Students will also be introduced to resume writing, along with ethical decision-making skills.
- Johnson & Johnson Mentoring: Johnson & Johnson volunteers will mentor BTE students and serve as a source of academic and career support. Mentors will have weekly contact and meet monthly with their assigned students.
- Office Hours: time for students to discuss any concerns, successes, or any other areas of interest with Johnson & Johnson volunteers.
- Job Shadowing Experiences: a one-hour job shadowing experience at Johnson & Johnson or another healthcare industry during the summer after Grade 10.
- College Tours: three college visits per year to introduce students to various postsecondary learning institutions and campus settings. Students will be asked to write reflection pieces following each visit.
- College Readiness Workshops: sessions introducing students and parents to the college research process, the college application process, and financial aid.
- BTE Alumni Panel: BTE alumni will share past experiences, answer questions, provide advice, and address concerns.
- Team-building Exercise: a team orientated activity where students and mentors will solidify a bond.
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