Exploring STEM Futures at Broward College
The HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students had an exciting opportunity to spend the day at Broward College exploring the ACCESS (Accelerating College Completion by Engaging Students in STEM) Project, a Title III Grant initiative. This project supports both the academic and workforce needs of students and regional employers by enhancing completion and transfer rates in Information Technology (IT) programs.
During their visit, students engaged in hands-on STEM experiences, including coding, robotics, virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and interactive mobile classrooms. A highlight of the day was touring the Broward College Aviation, where students explored aircraft hangars and got an up-close look at airplane and helicopter engines. This immersive experience gave students valuable insight into the wide range of post-secondary pathways available to them in STEM and IT fields. 
HDS Mentors Making a Difference
A huge thank you to our amazing HDS Companies team members, Bridget Wong, Ashley Walker, and Delisay Baldaji for inspiring our Cypress Bay B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students during their Career Series! These incredible women shared their journeys from college to launching meaningful careers at HDS and gave our students a behind-the-scenes look at their professional paths.
The students were engaged, curious, and asked thoughtful questions throughout. We’re so grateful to our amazing mentors for making a lasting impact and showing what’s possible!
Business-Savvy and Tech-Ready
We’re so proud of Noam, a sophomore in the HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. program, for reaching an exciting achievement! This year, he earned certifications in Photoshop Premiere Pro and Business Management & Entrepreneurship. Noam set a goal and followed through with focus and determination. Congratulations, Noam! Keep up the amazing work!
Building Skills & Earning Confidence
We’re incredibly proud of Alexandra, an HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. senior who’s already making a difference! Along with her studies, she’s gaining valuable experience and earning money as a freelance babysitter. Her dedication and hard work are truly inspiring, and we’re excited to see all the amazing things she’ll accomplish in the future!
Learning Life Skills Through Gardening
Our Broward HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students participated in The Home Depot Garden Challenge, and they did an amazing job! This year, the project was scaled down from an outdoor garden to individual succulent planters. Working in teams of 2-3, they had a $50 budget to choose succulents, potting soil, drainage rocks, and planters. Before heading to Home Depot, they learned all about succulent care through videos and a custom PowerPoint to guide their shopping. Each student had the chance to plant and take care of their very own succulent, a perfect way to apply their new skills! 
Best Buddies Friendship Walk
This past weekend, our Miami-Dade HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students joined the Best Buddies Friendship Walk. They celebrated inclusion, friendship, and community. The event was packed with family-friendly fun, from games and music to delicious food and sensory-friendly...
Meet Carter a 14-year-old entrepreneur on the Autism Spectrum who is turning his challenges into opportunities!
Carter founded Carter's Spectrum Golf, a brand that combines his love for golf with a powerful mission to raise awareness, inspire others, and embrace the beauty of being different. Now, he’s taking his journey even further with his new book, Swinging Beyond the...
Spotlight on Kate Gilson Miranda
Kate wears many hats, a sister, daughter, aunt, cousin, niece, granddaughter, team member, and role model but above all, she is a leader in empowerment and inclusion. As an HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. alumna, University of North Florida graduate, and HDS Foundation Board...
Celebrating Autism Acceptance with Miguel
I had an amazing conversation with Miguel about Autism Acceptance Month! We talked about what this month means to him personally and why shifting the focus from awareness to true acceptance is so important. His insights were so powerful because at the end of the day,...
April is Autism Awareness Month!
Join us as we celebrate neurodiversity, raise awareness, and advocate for inclusion and acceptance. This month, we’ll be sharing resources, personal stories, and ways you can support the autism community. Together, we can make a difference. Let’s spread understanding...
BRIDGES Students Gain Lifelong Skills
Our Broward County students had an amazing opportunity to showcase their micro-enterprise at the monthly ESE Specialist meeting for the district! With the support of staff, they created and sold handmade pens and keychains—earning an impressive $130 in sales! This...
BRIDGES Students Cultivate Confidence Through Gardening
The Broward BRIDGES students have been hard at work in their school garden, taking care of several garden beds by weeding, watering, and tending to a variety of vegetables and herbs! Each student plays an important role—whether it’s filling water cans, pulling weeds,...
Fun Day at the Fair!
Recently, our Miami Dade BRIDGES Students had an amazing time visiting the Miami Dade Youth Fair as part of a Community-Based Instruction (CBI) outing. From the moment they arrived, excitement filled the air as they explored the fairgrounds, eager to experience the...
Cypress Bay High School Transition Fair
Last night, we had the pleasure of participating in the Cypress Bay High School Transition Fair, where parents gained valuable insight into various community resources available to support their child's transition from high school to post-secondary. We also shared our...
BRIDGES Students Take on the Best Buddies Walk!
Our BRIDGES students had an amazing time participating in a Best Buddies Walk at their school! They walked together to promote inclusion, spread awareness, and celebrate friendship. It was a fantastic day filled with energy, teamwork, and support for an important...