NorthBridge creates customized pathways for long term post-secondary success for students with learning differences. The organization strives to be the student’s advocate, foster structure and accountability, provide community, and develop partnerships with other organizations and agencies. Our programs, High School Success, College Success, Test Preparation, and Career Preparation, work with students to make their vision of the future a reality. Using our student-centered coaching strategies, excellent talent, and best practices, NorthBridge is a community leader in making college possible, goals attainable, and a meaningful, fulfilling future a reality for college, vocational, and high school students with learning differences.

These learning differences include dyslexia, ADHD, the Autism spectrum (ASD), non-verbal disorder (NVLD), sensory processing disorder (SPD), hearing and vision loss, anxiety, depression, and many other differences.

The Student Perspective

A few months after graduating high school, Brandon did not realize how challenging the transition from high school to college would be. As a student with Autism, he thought he would have the same level of support that he did through high school. But there was one big problem: The Maricopa Community College District does not have 1:1 mentors who can support students with learning differences. That’s when he found NorthBridge College Success Program. Instead of withdrawing from the engineering program at the local community college, Brandon persevered with the help of NorthBridge. In fact, he followed his dream and graduated with a Masters Degree in Engineering from Arizona State University. Today, he is working at an engineering firm, and is confident in himself and his own abilities.

Here at NorthBridge, we provide support, resources, and guidance to students with learning differences as they transition to, persist, and succeed in their educational and vocational endeavors. These students would otherwise fall through the cracks and not be able to obtain their certification or degree. Each year, we support over 60 families in the greater Phoenix area and connect countless more to community resources like workforce programs, trade schools, and vocational rehabilitation options.

This spring marks our 13th anniversary, and we are celebrating with a breakfast at The Sanctuary Camelback on April 19th, 2024. The morning will also include a live auction, paddle raise, and raffles to raise funds, so we can serve more families and keep our programs going for years to come.

The Parent Perspective

NorthBridge surpassed our expectations! It definitely gave me peace of mind, knowing that [my student] is being guided with a schedule and a system to study, and keep organized. There is no other place where you can have consistency with tutors, systems, and follow through. NorthBridge is a wonderful program, and hopefully one day it could be supported as a franchise while maintaining quality. Education is such an important tool to establish basic skills to be a future responsible adult. When young adults have learning differences, that comes with insecurities and Northbridge truly gives them wings.

We are beyond grateful to our Supporting Sponsors!

Program Sponsor $6,000
- Nancy and Will Heller
Breakfast Sponsor $4,000
- Valley Forge & Bolt Mfg. Co.
Test Prep Sponsor: $3,000
- Tim and Joan King
Table Sponsor $1,000
- Byron Harrod
- Lori Kirsch-Goodwin
- Nancy and Will Heller
- New Way Academy
- Floyd Bienstock
- Kids with Autism Can & Sensory Cooking
- Andrew & Marcia Meyer

And to a special thank you to our in-kind sponsors!

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The Nail Room -- Optical Gallery of Arizona --

Jackie Cohen -- Six Sisters and Me --

'Love Your Event' Photography --

Moonlight Dance Studio --

Frenzy Fix Boutique -- Johanna Warner

Carine Boutique

7-Night Stay at Eagle Point Resort in Vail, Colorado