A Bridges From School to Work staff member teaching a Pre-ETS class (pre-employment transition services) where students in high school learn about careers, employability skills, and job options.
July marks National Disability Pride Month, and the NBA Foundation is proud to spotlight Bridges From School to Work, a valued partner dedicated to transforming the lives of young adults with disabilities through the power of a job.
Bridges empowers youth ages 17-24 by helping them prepare for and secure meaningful jobs. Their approach focuses on goal-setting, recognizing individual strengths, and identifying career aspirations. With personalized coaching—whether in person, by phone, email, or text—Bridges remains invested in their participants well-being, celebrating as they reach key employment milestones at three, six, nine, and twelve months.
In March 2024, the NBA Foundation started their partnership with Bridges From School to Work, however the work was already being done in collaboration with numerous NBA teams. Bridges is directly involved in 10 cities (Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Fort Worth, Los Angeles, New York City, Oakland, Philadelphia and San Francisco) across the United States. All of which are NBA markets.
“Our current grant focuses on the Atlanta and Dallas markets,” said Kate Brown, Director of Development at Bridges. “Our goal was to place 150 young adults into jobs, and thanks to the NBA Foundation’s support, we have already placed 193. This growth wouldn’t be possible without their backing, which has helped us expand our teams and forge new partnerships with employers and schools—reaching and preparing even more young adults for the workforce.”
For Robert Mollard, Director of the Dallas Bridges program, the most meaningful part of their work is the deep, lasting connections made with participants, employers, and community partners—a legacy built over 30+ years.
“A former participant recently reached out—now in his 40s, with a stable job and family—just to check in,” said Mollard. “Moments like that remind us why we do this work.”
In Atlanta, where the grant emphasis lies, Youth Employment Specialist Ken Butler builds on this foundation.
“We bridge the gap—hence Bridges From School to Work—for individuals who need just one opportunity to prove themselves. Our longstanding partnership with the Atlanta Hawks has opened doors for countless young people to gain meaningful employment at State Farm Arena.”
Kyla Stewart giving remarks at Bridges’ annual gala in Washington, DC in front of 1,000 attendees.
One success story is Kyla Stewart, a Bridges participant and recipient of the 2025 Stephen G. Marriott Youth Achievement Award, presented annually at Bridges’ gala in Washington, D.C. Kyla dreams of becoming a General Manager for a WNBA team.
She shared, “Bridges has taught me so much. I’ve learned that a firm handshake goes a long way. I’m incredibly grateful to be part of Bridges. I started in high school and now, as I finish college, I feel truly prepared for the future. Bridges has changed my life.”
Kyla on the job at SlooMoo Institute in Atlanta.
By the Numbers
Since 1989, Bridges has worked with
900 High Schools
28,000 Youth
7,100 Employers
The National Center for Education Statistics reports that over 400,000 youth with disabilities aged 14 to 21 exit public education each year. But Bridges combated that this past year with 949 participants, 758 hires and 575 participants who retained jobs.
Yasemin is a NYC participant in front of the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, where she works.
For more Bridges From School to Work resources click here. To see a complete list of NBA Foundation partners click here.