Linking Learners

UofL’s Cardinal Bridge Academy Provides Genuine College Experiences for High School Students

“Higher education has slept on an untapped wellspring of talent,” shared Raymond Green, EdD. “The Cardinal Bridge Academy (CBA) is tapping that well to offer more students access to higher education.” In 2018, Green’s shared goal with College of Business colleague and fellow CBA founder Nat Irvin, PhD, of “doing something bold, yet with common sense – something innovative, yet simple” to help underserved area high school students came to fruition in 2020 through the launch of the CBA, largely in part to a generous donation from Yum! Brands. “We wanted to give students access to higher education through pathways other than a traditional test score while also identifying talented students that test scores overlook by providing the opportunity for students to show they can do our work taught by our faculty.” Four years later, the CBA is still providing area high school students in underprivileged areas of the city the chance to experience life as a business student at the University of Louisville. CBA students complete dual credit or University credit by taking UofL classes and gain access to mentoring and career preparation assistance with local corporate partners, giving them a distinct advantage when applying for admission to the College.

HOLISTIC HELPING HANDS

Unlike similar programs that focus on only one or two areas of opportunity, the CBA encompasses dual credit, mentoring, aiding students in developing a vision for their future, and providing avenues for students to build their sense of self and self-esteem. CBA Program Director Lexus Gardner believes that each of these values is a necessary tenet for student success. “We focus on holistic support — academic preparation, scholarship writing, and mentorship, while also ensuring that students are well-versed in navigating the higher education system,” she explained. Understanding the first-generation student experience on a personal level, Gardner has a unique grasp on the challenges that can come from feeling lost and alone while navigating a new, unfamiliar educational environment. “As a first-generation college student, I know how overwhelming the higher education system can be. I joined CBA because I wholeheartedly stand behind its mission—to create more accessible pathways to college,” she shared. “Watching students succeed in courses or witnessing the moment they open their acceptance letters and explore scholarship options is incredibly rewarding.”

UNABRIDGED EXPERIENCES

From scholarship writing workshops to campus tours or even classroom instruction by College faculty exclusively designed for its students, the CBA experience does not just include student support. There are a variety of events in which members can engage that strengthen their leadership and critical thinking skills. These events prepare students for success both in and outside the classroom. Gardner noted that “the mentorship sessions provided by YUM! and their employees have been particularly impactful [and] allow students to explore various career paths within the business field and gain valuable insights into different job opportunities.”

FOOTBRIDGE TO THE FUTURE

With goals of expanding their reach and support to high school students across the Commonwealth, Green believes that the CBA has the potential to reach many underserved communities. “When you look at Appalachia, Western Kentucky, and Central Kentucky, you see students that are similar to the ones we serve now. Not all poverty is the same, but all potential is the same.”

If you would like to help the CBA further its mission through your generous donation, please email cardinalbridgeacademy@louisville.edu.

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About the UofL College of Business:

Founded in 1953, the UofL College of Business fosters intellectual and economic vitality in our city, region, and the global business landscape. Our academic programs, research, community outreach initiatives, and commitment to student success inspire lives and businesses to flourish through entrepreneurship, innovation, critical thinking, diversity, and the power of people.

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