“BRIDGE” – Building Resourceful Individuals to Develop Georgia’s Economy
ATLANTA— Today the Georgia House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed the Building Resourceful Individuals to Develop Georgia’s Economy (BRIDGE) Bill. The measure now moves to the state Senate for consideration.
“Keeping students interested is key to lowering Georgia’s dropout rates,” said Rep. Fran Millar (R-Dunwoody), the bill’s author. “The BRIDGE Bill does this by giving students options so that they can receive an education catered to their goals and interests. I hope the BRIDGE Bill receives the same broad bipartisan support in the Senate that it got today in the House.”
The BRIDGE Bill, House Bill 400, passed the House by a 153-2 vote. This legislation will implement programs to improve graduation rates by giving students an alternative to four-year colleges.
The bill is a direct result of work done by a 2006 study committee appointed by House Speaker Glenn Richardson commissioned to examine the issues surrounding the feasibility and usefulness of implementing a market-demand skills program in grades ten through twelve in public high schools in Georgia to address youth unemployment and to improve economic development. During these hearings, the following three themes were reiterated by numerous speakers that testified: 1) Children must be engaged by ninth grade in career and educational pathways that will prepare them for further study and a good job; 2) Georgia must raise the academic rigor for all students. High expectations are key to improved results. For some students this means providing a link from academic studies to career studies for learning to be meaningful; 3) Any statewide initiative must allow local systems the flexibility to design programs of study that meet the needs of their students and community.
The BRIDGE Bill will give students a choice of focused programs of study starting in ninth grade to prepare them for postsecondary studies and careers. While some model programs are targeted for students that otherwise would drop out, this bill ensures that all students will have an individual graduation plan as well as the opportunity for duel enrollment. The programs combine real world experience with increased academic rigor. The program also involves guidance counselors, graduation coaches, parents and guardians to help students be aware of all opportunities available to them.
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Representative Fran Millar represents the citizens of District 79, which includes portions of DeKalb County. He was elected into the House of Representatives in 1999, and is currently the Vice-Chairman of the Education Committee. He also serves on the Economic Development & Tourism, Health & Human Services, and Rules committees.