The Bridge A School Community Partnership

The Bridge: A School/Community Partnership is a Melrose nonprofit that recruits, screens, trains and places volunteers in all eight Melrose Public Schools, from preschool through high school. Its guiding belief is that young people benefit when community members share their time, talent and expertise with public education. Volunteers work in elementary school libraries, serve as PTO leaders, chaperone field trips, talk with students about careers and help in many other ways.

Founded in 1993, The Bridge provides centralized volunteer management that helps both volunteers and educators. A single registration lets someone volunteer anywhere in the district, and the organization sets expectations about privacy, confidentiality and professionalism so teachers feel comfortable welcoming outside help. Together, volunteers give thousands of hours to the schools each year, strengthening the connection between families, residents and the district.

What to Know

• The Bridge is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
• It runs criminal record checks on volunteers.
• One part-time staff member and a volunteer board run the organization.
• Community partners and new volunteers are welcome to get involved.