Featured photo: Bridge Program Coordinator Elizabeth Ellington teaching a cohort of the Google Project Management Course. (Photo by Rich Keen.)
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Blue Ridge Community College’s Bridge Program helps adults strengthen their skills to improve employability and open doors to new jobs or advancement opportunities. An initiative of the College’s Adult Education and Literacy department, the program is especially helpful for people who have been out of school or the workforce for a time and want support getting back on track. Through short-term courses and hands-on assistance, the Bridge Program helps students prepare for careers with strong job outlooks.
“The Bridge Program is all about opening doors to better employment opportunities. Whether someone needs to build computer or AI skills, earn a certification, or just needs a supportive space to discover what their unique career path is, we’re here to help them take that next step toward a better career and a brighter future,” said Bridge Coordinator Elizabeth Ellington.
The Bridge Program houses two main offerings: workforce preparation and the Bridge Lab. Workforce preparation emphasizes getting someone a job or a better job than the one they currently have. This can be achieved through certifications—especially “stackable” certifications, which allow students to earn multiple credentials throughout the program—that qualify them for employment. Some offerings like digital literacy or AI literacy serve as boosters to their current skill sets. Enrichment classes like career readiness and financial success are also offered.
The Bridge Program offers several courses, including digital literacy, financial literacy, career preparation, AI basics, and hospitality certificates through the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI). Students can earn credentials in relevant fields (such as ServSafe for culinary settings), build LinkedIn profiles, learn how to get referrals, and research careers with growth potential. These certificates translate directly into better jobs or promotions and can also serve as stepping stones into college or advanced training.
The Bridge Lab operates much like a library. The lab is open on Mondays and Wednesdays from 4 – 6 p.m. During designated drop-in times, students can use lab computers, get resume help, work on applications, and more. They can also sign up for a one-on-one assistance appointment from Ellington. Overall, the Bridge Lab provides a supportive space where students can practice new skills and get individualized assistance from friendly, welcoming instructors who are focused on helping participants succeed.
“I love seeing students walk through our doors uncertain about their future and leave with news skills, confidence, and a clear path forward,” said Ellington. “We focus on building a career path that’s uniquely designed for each student and then following that path, with lots of flexibility built in.”
Bridge Program Pilots New Google Project Management Course
Last year, through its Bridge Program, Blue Ridge Community College was selected as one of only four community colleges in North Carolina to participate in a pilot program offering the Google Project Management Certificate course. The inaugural cohort was highly successful in helping students earn their certificates, and a second cohort is now underway during the Spring 2026 semester. The next eight-week intensive course begins March 9 and meets Monday through Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. The course prepares participants for entry-level project management roles, a strong career pathway with estimated starting salaries ranging from the mid-$50,000s to mid-$60,000s annually, plus benefits, according to local LinkedIn and ZipRecruiter salary estimates.
Offered by Blue Ridge Community College’s Adult Education and Literacy department, the Bridge Program is focused on helping people access better careers, increase financial stability, and build long-term success for themselves and their families. To learn more about the Bridge Program and lab hours, visit www.blueridge.edu/bridge or contact Elizabeth Ellington at e.ellington@blueridge.edu.
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