Impact

Measuring What Matters

At BridgeWorks, we believe in rigorous, transparent measurement of our outcomes. We track every participant from enrollment through graduation and for 12 months after job placement. Our data drives continuous improvement and demonstrates accountability to our participants, funders, employer partners, and the broader community.

The numbers below reflect cumulative outcomes through the end of fiscal year 2025, with selected annual data from our most recent program year.

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Headline Metrics

| Metric | Result | |--------|--------| | Total Program Graduates (2015-2025) | 2,400+ | | Job Placement Rate (within 90 days) | 78% | | 12-Month Employment Retention | 85% | | Employer Partners | 150+ | | Average Starting Wage | $17.50/hour | | Recidivism Rate (3-year) | 12% | | National Average Recidivism Rate | 44% |

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Program-Level Outcomes

Construction & Trades

Our longest-running and largest program consistently delivers strong placement and retention results.

• Graduates (cumulative): 980
• Placement Rate: 82% within 60 days
• 12-Month Retention: 87%
• Average Starting Wage: $18.50/hour
• Certification Pass Rate: 91%

Technology & Digital Skills

The tech track has grown rapidly as demand for IT support professionals continues to outpace supply.

• Graduates (cumulative): 620
• Placement Rate: 76% within 90 days
• 12-Month Retention: 83%
• Average Starting Wage: $17.00/hour
• Certification Pass Rate: 88%

Advanced Manufacturing

Aligned with regional manufacturing employers, this track achieves fast placements due to strong employer demand.

• Graduates (cumulative): 540
• Placement Rate: 80% within 60 days
• 12-Month Retention: 84%
• Average Starting Wage: $16.75/hour
• Certification Pass Rate: 93%

Career Readiness (Short-Term Workshops)

For individuals who are not yet ready for a full training program, we offer short-term workshops in resume writing, interview preparation, financial literacy, and digital skills fundamentals.

• Workshop Participants (cumulative): 1,800+
• Completion Rate: 89%
• Self-Reported Confidence Improvement: 74% of participants report feeling significantly more prepared for employment after completing a workshop series

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Community Impact

Reduced Recidivism

BridgeWorks graduates have a three-year recidivism rate of just 12%, compared to a national average of approximately 44% for formerly incarcerated individuals. Stable employment is the single strongest predictor of successful reentry, and our programs are designed to achieve exactly that.

Economic Contribution

Based on average wages and employment duration, BridgeWorks graduates collectively earned an estimated $14.6 million in wages during the 2024-2025 program year alone. These earnings flow directly into local economies through housing, transportation, food, childcare, and consumer spending.

Tax Revenue Generated

Working graduates contribute to federal, state, and local tax revenue. We estimate that BridgeWorks alumni generated approximately $2.8 million in income and payroll tax contributions during the most recent fiscal year.

Reduced Public Costs

Every individual who maintains employment and avoids reincarceration represents significant savings to public systems. The Vera Institute of Justice estimates that the average annual cost of incarcerating one person exceeds $33,000. By helping graduates stay employed and out of the justice system, BridgeWorks generates substantial cost avoidance for taxpayers.

Using conservative estimates, the combined cost savings from reduced incarceration, decreased reliance on public assistance, and increased tax contributions total approximately $8.2 million annually.

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Participant Demographics (FY 2025)

Understanding who we serve helps us refine our programs and ensure equitable access.

| Demographic | Percentage | |-------------|------------| | Male | 74% | | Female | 24% | | Non-binary / Not disclosed | 2% | | Age 18-25 | 22% | | Age 26-35 | 38% | | Age 36-45 | 27% | | Age 46+ | 13% | | No high school diploma at enrollment | 18% | | Earned GED during program | 9% | | Veterans | 7% | | Parents of minor children | 52% |

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Employer Satisfaction

We survey our employer partners annually to assess their experience with BridgeWorks hires. Results from the most recent survey (FY 2025):

• Overall satisfaction with BridgeWorks hires: 4.3 out of 5.0
• Would hire another BridgeWorks graduate: 92%
• Rate BridgeWorks support as "good" or "excellent": 89%
• Report BridgeWorks hires perform at or above expectations: 81%

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Annual Report Highlights (FY 2025)

Revenue

| Source | Amount | |--------|--------| | Government Grants | $2,100,000 | | Employer Partnerships | $850,000 | | Individual Donations | $620,000 | | Foundation Grants | $480,000 | | Events & Other | $150,000 | | Total Revenue | $4,200,000 |

Expenditures

| Category | Amount | % of Total | |----------|--------|------------| | Program Services | $3,024,000 | 72% | | Employer Relations | $420,000 | 10% | | Fundraising | $336,000 | 8% | | Administration | $420,000 | 10% | | Total Expenditures | $4,200,000 | 100% |

Seventy-two cents of every dollar goes directly to program services — training, mentorship, career placement, and wraparound support for participants.

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Independent Evaluation

In 2024, BridgeWorks commissioned an independent evaluation by the Urban Policy Research Group at Georgetown University. Key findings include:

• BridgeWorks participants are 3.2 times more likely to be employed one year after program completion compared to a matched control group of returning citizens who did not participate in a structured workforce program.
• Participants reported statistically significant improvements in self-efficacy, financial stability, and social connectedness at 6 and 12 months post-graduation.
• Employer partners reported higher retention and lower absenteeism among BridgeWorks hires compared to hires from other sources for comparable roles.

The full evaluation report is available upon request by contacting info@bridgeworks.org.

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Looking Ahead: 2026 Goals

• Launch the Logistics & Warehousing training track (Summer 2026)
• Expand into three new cities: Atlanta, Dallas, and Denver
• Serve 500+ participants across all program tracks
• Achieve an overall placement rate of 80%
• Grow employer partner network to 200 companies
• Increase individual giving by 25%