Untitled Design (53)
Untitled Design (53)

 

Please contact us for more information. Email the completed application and release of information to lsimone@aces.org.

APPLICATION AND RELEASE OF INFORMATION

MISSION STATEMENT:

The Bridge at ACES is redefining education and rehabilitation for justice-involved youth by fusing academic excellence, trauma-informed care, and innovative vocational programming. Rooted in equity and driven by purpose, our school delivers a whole-child approach that meets students where they are academically, emotionally, and socially, while guiding them toward high school graduation and meaningful futures. Our inclusive, culturally responsive environment is designed to restore trust, promote self-efficacy, and address the impact of trauma through supportive relationships, skill-building, and restorative practices.

With a robust high school curriculum, integrated social-emotional support, and cutting-edge vocational programming, The Bridge equips students with industry-relevant skills, certifications, and life-readiness competencies. Our hands-on programs align with emerging job markets and personal passions, from AI technology and digital media to culinary arts, barbering, and hydroponics. Our partnership with state agencies allows for specialized reentry pathways and after-school programming for youth on probation, while peer mentorship initiatives foster leadership, positive identity development, and community building.

Beginning in the fall, The Bridge will introduce a specialized cohort for students with autism, providing a supportive, structured environment that emphasizes individualized growth, social-emotional learning, and skill development. This initiative will promote inclusive mentorship opportunities and enrich the school culture, empowering all students, regardless of background or diagnosis, to learn with and from one another. Through this model, The Bridge at ACES helps students earn diplomas and opens doors to purpose, power, and long-term success for an entire community.

 

Our Students

The Bridge at ACES students find it difficult to achieve success in the traditional classroom setting. They benefit from a personalized environment in which to learn and form strong connections with school educators and peers.

The Bridge at ACES is designed to address the needs of students who may require a school setting that supports community integration, as well as a positive transition to home school districts, post-secondary education, vocational training, or the workforce.

The Bridge at ACES provides students with opportunities to increase their knowledge in core academic areas within classroom settings filled with rigorous expectations aligned with the State of Connecticut curriculum standards.

The Bridge at ACES provides students who need alternative placements due to school level infractions opportunities to achieve success in a smaller school environment.

The Bridge at ACES student found it difficult to achieve success in the traditional classroom setting. They benefit from a personalized environment in which to learn and form strong connections with school educators and peers. Our students will be able to create their pathway to educational, social and career success all while working towards a high school diploma.

 

Vocational Center

Purpose & Vision 

Our Vocational Center aims to create career-connected, hands-on learning opportunities that empower students with job-ready skills, entrepreneurial mindsets, and a sense of civic responsibility. Through industry-aligned programming, community collaboration, and student voice, our center will provide diverse pathways to post-secondary success while supporting holistic youth development and justice-informed practices.

Planned & Proposed Vocational Pathways

Culinary Arts

• Utilize portable induction cooktops, countertop ovens, and food safety training (e.g., ServSafe certification).

• Partner with local restaurants for guest chef days and mentorship.

CNC and Digital Fabrication

• Use low-cost desktop CNC routers or laser cutters with free CAD software.

• Introduce blueprint reading, design, and fabrication basics.

Barbering & Cosmetology

• Expand with clippers, sanitation tools, and salon stations.

• Offer pop-up haircut clinics for the community.

• Hydroponics with LEVO: Grow & Give Initiative

• Build indoor hydroponic systems; grow produce for school use or community donation.

• Facilitate student-led volunteer projects in collaboration with local organizations.

AI Technology & Ethics Course Topics

• Introduction to AI & machine learning

• Chatbots and natural language processing

• Generative art and text-to-image tools

• AI in healthcare, finance, justice, and education

• Ethics, bias, and responsible AI use

Projects

• Design a chatbot to support school needs (e.g., tutoring help, daily schedules)

• Use free AI tools to generate business names, logos, or product mockups

• Analyze how AI affects social justice and the workforce

Skill Development

• Critical thinking, coding basics (Python), research, and ethical tech use

• Aligned with emerging career fields in AI, data science, and IT support

• Digital Media & Marketing

• Offer video production, podcasting, and design using free editing tools.

• Provide real-world opportunities for school content creation and event coverage.

IT & Computer Skills

• Google IT Support and Microsoft certifications.

• Intro to networking, software, and cybersecurity.

Fashion Design & Sewing

• Teach upcycled fashion, sewing techniques, and entrepreneurship.

• Entrepreneurship & Small Business Development

• Guide students through business planning and launch models.

• Include marketing, budgeting, and customer service.

Karate & Personal Discipline Training

• Promote self-regulation, fitness, and mental discipline through martial arts.

• Partner with local dojos and instructors to offer certification opportunities.

• Align with social-emotional learning goals and behavioral skill-building.

Student Support Services

Career Readiness Workshops Students will receive:

• Resume and Cover Letter Development

• Mock Interviews

• Job Search Skills

• Workplace Readiness Training

Afterschool Vocational Programming for Youth on Probation

CSSD–ACES Collaboration

• Targeted reentry programming for justice-involved youth

• Skills-based workshops, mentorship, and stipends

• Direct links to vocational pathways, career planning, and positive peer engagement

Community & Industry Partnerships

• LEVO, trade unions, local businesses, and higher education institutions

• Volunteer builds, mentorship, dual enrollment, and career fairs

• Partnerships with CSSD and youth justice systems to ensure wraparound services

Outcomes & Goals

• Increase student engagement and career readiness

• Create real-world opportunities and community service learning

• Support youth on probation with structured, skill-building activities

• Bridge gaps between education, technology, and social equity

 

 

This Vocational Center will serve as a launchpad for equity, innovation, and opportunity. By blending hands-on skill development with emerging technologies and community connection, we can transform the futures of young people who deserve pathways to purpose, power, and possibility.

 

 

Post-Secondary Preparedness

College Exploration

Military Exploration

Work Readiness

 

Goals and Supports

The education goals and targets for students in the school setting will ensure a safe and supportive education environment with rigorous instruction.

In addition to classroom instruction facilitated by certified Connecticut teachers, The Bridge at ACES will offer educational software to support students in their academic goals.

The overarching goal of our post-graduation planning will be to ensure high-quality transition experiences that offer education and career.

All students will be provided with the necessary technology, tools, and continuum of support to help them establish and successfully attain meaningful goals that will foster their growth beyond their school experience.

The Bridge at ACES has been designed to address the needs of students who require a school setting that supports community integration, as well as a positive transition to home school districts, post-secondary education, vocational training, or the workforce. 

 

Quotes:

“You have standards and expectations beyond what they would strive to do on their own. You don’t allow them to be mediocre by encouraging them to be the best version of themselves. You do this even after the kids leave the program.” ~CT Juvenile Justice Representative on ACES REGIONS (Anonymous)

“Our school district has been waiting for this type of program.  It will really benefit some of our students.” Anonymous Educational Leader