BTE Student Stories

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Now in its third year of implementation, the Bridge to Employment program in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, continues to empower students as they prepare for life after high school. Even during summer break, the team dedicated this time to reviewing Year 2 evaluation findings to improve plans for the new academic year and ensure that students’ voices continue to guide program design. 

With 35 students enrolled this year, including 18 girls, the site launched Year 3 with energy and purpose. Now seniors, students are eagerly anticipating graduation and a final year rich with meaningful learning, hands-on exploration, and continued support from dedicated Johnson & Johnson volunteers. This year, six volunteers contributed 35 hours of service, helping guide students through academic decisions, life transitions, and career exploration.

One of the most notable moments was a college-life forum shaped directly by student interest. BTE Palm Beach Gardens invited three college students of different backgrounds to share their experiences. These students all brought their unique perspectives regarding studying out of state, commuter life, and dorm life, and engaged in open conversations about academics, time management, internships, finances, friendships, and navigating new environments. The activity reflected BTE’s commitment to creating space for student-driven topics and fostering honest, practical guidance about the future. 

Beyond academic preparation, the BTE Palm Beach Gardens program continues to balance impactful programming with opportunities for students to find support and build community. This included a game night featuring dominos, cards, and other board games, giving students a relaxed environment to bond and decompress from academic pressures. Students also visited a Johnson & Johnson site to explore a new spine surgery product line, offering a firsthand look at innovation in the medical technology space! 

An exciting visit to Palm Beach County’s Trauma Hawk helicopter system at Palm Beach International Airport has also taken place, where students engaged directly with pilots, fire rescue teams, and dispatch staff. This experience offered rich learning opportunities for those interested in aviation, medicine, data, and emergency response. 

Across all activities, BTE Palm Beach Gardens continues to listen closely to student feedback and tailor programming to their interests. By maintaining open communication and prioritizing both growth and well-being, the site ensures that students feel supported, engaged, and confident as they prepare for their postsecondary education journeys. 

BTE is proud to continue working alongside the students of Palm Beach Gardens and looks forward to seeing all they accomplish in the months ahead!