DIRECTOR: Tobi Swartz

Tobi Swartz has 15 years of experience working in various aspects of education and educational institutions. She became the director of Bridges to a Brighter Future in February 2004. As the director she motivates and inspires students to reach their full potential and manages all aspects of the program. Tobi has expanded the program from four-weeks in the summer to year-round support including a monthly Saturday program called Saturday College. She has increased student retention from 50% to 95%, developed new partnerships, and amplified community exposure. Tobi has received recognition including the YWCA Dream Achiever Award (2009), Greenville’s Best and Brightest Age 35 and Under (2006), and the SCCPA Joseph E. Heyward Humanitarian Award (2005). Mrs. Swartz has a B.S. in Psychology from the University of Southern Mississippi and an M.Ed. from the University of South Carolina.

DEPARTMENT ASSISTANT: Amy Krause

Amy Krause is a half-time program assistant for Bridges to a Brighter Future and a half-time assistant for Learning for You; she is also the program coordinator for the Piano for Young People program at Furman University. Amy comes from a nonprofit background and has experience working with high school seniors as a Scholarship Coordinator. Amy received her Associates from Blue Ridge Community College in Flat Rock, NC (her hometown).

During the four-week summer program, the Bridges students benefit from the amazing teachers and counselors that work with them.

Our phenomenal counselors live in the residence halls with the Bridges students, fulfilling the challenging role of mentor, advisor, supervisor, disciplinarian, and friend. We annually select counselors who not only have experience in working with young people, but also have a desire and a passion to work with students whose potential outdistances their circumstances. Each year we select a Head Counselor who leads six male and six female counselors in fulfilling their day to day responsibilities. In summer 2007 and 2008, we retained almost 100% of our counselors.

In addition, as a result of working with Bridges, many of our former counselors have gone into education or a helping profession.