When Nayeishka Gonzalez began her freshman year at Trenton Central High School, she felt lost. “I would just go straight to class, go home and do nothing,” she says. This changed when she joined Bridge to Employment (BTE), a college and career readiness program, during her sophomore year.
Nayeishka, the oldest of six kids, lives in Trenton, New Jersey. Over 26% of Trenton’s population lives in poverty—more than twice that of the national average—and 89% of people 25 and older do not have a bachelor’s degree. This made Trenton an ideal location for BTE.
For over 30 years, BTE has inspired young people through academic enrichment activities, career readiness and exploration opportunities, and higher education preparation. Customized based on each community’s needs, the BTE program engages Johnson & Johnson and community mentors to inspire high school students from underserved communities to stay in school, pursue higher education and feel empowered to create their own paths forward.
Every week, Nayeishka and other BTE Trenton students participate in hands-on and minds-on learning that they can apply both inside and outside the classroom. BTE Trenton relies on a team of diverse role models to motivate and inspire the students, including J&J employees, local college students and academic coaches who provide academic enrichment programs, tutoring, summer internships, job shadowing opportunities, and help students navigate the application process when it’s time to apply to college.
The program has a track record of success: 100% of BTE participants who complete the program graduate from high school, and 88% of eligible BTE participants enroll in an institution of post-secondary education.
While BTE is a rewarding experience for the students, it’s also meaningful for the mentors. A truly global program, BTE has operated in over 100 communities around the world. In 2023, over 300 J&J employees volunteered nearly 5,000 hours as mentors to more than 600 students worldwide.
NuRocha Williams, a global and strategic insights manager at J&J and a BTE Trenton role model, enjoys “being able to engage with teenagers and see the world through their eyes. I feel like I learn a lot, and it brings me a lot of energy.”
Because of BTE Trenton and the dedication of the J&J Innovative Medicine U.S. Social Impact team that has sustained the program over the years, Nayeishka is feeling hopeful about her future. After high school, she wants to pursue a degree in law or a dual degree in law and psychology. Nayeishka will be the first person from her family graduating high school and going to college!