Education, Inspiration and Determination were themes that resonated throughout the graduation and recognition ceremony of BRIDGE Cohort 6 on November18, 2024.
“This program has been a blessing - offering each of us not only education, but encouragement and inspiration,” said Cohort 6 Class Speaker Ronald Watts. “So, thank you.” Watts also expressed appreciation to his mother in the audience who was proudly recording her son on her cell phone. “Thank you, mom, for telling me about Hayti [Reborn Justice Movement]. You know construction has always been a passion of mine. So, me joining Hayti has been a great opportunity for me. Looking towards the future, I am excited to say that I will be going into HVAC as a HVAC Technician.
Attendees were also moved by the humble beginnings and enthusiasm of keynote speaker Rev. Phyllis Arrington, Vice President of the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance (IMA) of Durham and Vicinity. Arrington, the sixteenth of 18 children, reflected on her upbringing as the daughter of sharecroppers: “You are well on your way to making your mark on this universe…Quitting was not an option in my [parents’] house…You’ve already proven that you are a survivor…It’s wonderful to have people who believe in you. We all need that....the teachers, the staff, Mr. Chalmers, Mrs. LA, they all believe in you. Your loved ones sitting out here in the audience, they believe in you…the administrators of Durham Tech, they believe in you. Your mammas and your daddies, and sisters and brothers, and even your ‘Boo' believes in you. But let me tell you something, none of that means anything if you don’t believe in yourself."
Cohort 6 is the first BRIDGE cohort with 100% retention and graduation rates. Classes ran August 2024 through November. 2024. BRIDGE curriculum totals 90+ hours (6-7 weeks) of instruction and enrichment classes provided by Durham Tech. The syllabus includes a PIVOT Assessment, Working Smart, Making Dollars Work, NC Works Training for Careers, Tech Awareness and more.
