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The Nine Year Commitment: From Community Bridges Girls to Confident, Career-Ready Leaders

Posted On January 01, 0001
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While they can enter as early as fourth grade, there is no wrong time to join. 

Across MCPS hundreds of girls are building their confidence, exploring career paths and preparing for the future through a partnership with nonprofit Community Bridges (CB). Founded in 1997, the program is designed to help students become resilient leaders and engaged community members through high school graduation. 

“At Community Bridges, we believe that empowering girls isn’t a one-time event,  it’s truly a decade-long investment,” says Isabel Argoti, deputy director of programs. “As one of the only nine-year pipeline youth programs serving girls from elementary to high school and beyond in the county, we are filling a critical gap in our community. Having been with the organization for over three years, I’ve seen firsthand how this sustained mentorship transforms lives and generations. Our CB Girls are the future, and I am honored to help lead that charge."

Community, Access and Resources

Community Bridges offers MCPS students community and a safe space to make friends and gain skills to help them succeed in and out of the classroom, including:

  • Mentorship and Networking. Participants connect with women leaders and mentors who can help them navigate high school and plan for college.
  • Career Exploration. From hands-on workshops to the annual G.L.O.W. Career Summit, students can explore industries they are passionate about.
  • Professional Perks. High school participants can receive professional headshots for LinkedIn and a free blazer to start their professional wardrobe.
  • Fun and Leadership. Students take part in field trips, service-learning projects and social-emotional activities designed to help them lead.

From Student to Mentor: A Full-Circle Journey

Tamani Ahmed, a graduate of Northwood High School and current student at the University of Maryland, joined the program during her sophomore year.

“Through them, I had mentors, career advising, academic support and a strong female community,” says Ahmed. “Having access to these resources for just three years shaped my success post-high school. So I can only imagine the difference it makes for girls who start as early as 4th grade.”

Ahmed recently returned as a volunteer at Rolling Terrace Elementary School, where she supported younger students just starting their journey. “Being at Rolling Terrace was really memorable because I got to see firsthand the effort CB puts in to get these girls from elementary school to successful individuals in high school and college.”

Where to Find the Program

Community Bridges currently serves over 350 girls across more than 15 MCPS locations. The program is low-cost (starting at a $25 annual activity fee with a sliding scale) to ensure it is accessible to families. Programs are currently active at:

  • Elementary Schools: Fairland Elementary School, JoAnn Leleck Elementary School, Rolling Terrace Elementary School, and Sargent Shriver Elementary School.
  • Middle Schools: Benjamin Banneker Middle School, Loiederman Middle School, Silver Spring International Middle School, Takoma Park Middle School, and White Oak Middle School.
  • High Schools: Albert Einstein High School, James Hubert Blake High School, Montgomery Blair High School, Northwood High School, Paint Branch High School, and Springbrook High School.

Upcoming Opportunities

11th Annual G.L.O.W. (Girls Leading Our World) Career Summit

Open to all MCPS girls in grades 8–12, this summit is a full-day conference featuring inspiring panels, interactive workshops and networking.

  • When: Saturday, April 18, 2026 | 10 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
  • Where: Montgomery College Silver Spring/Takoma Park Campus
  • Registration: Students who register by April 10 receive a swag bag and a professional blazer. Visit bit.ly/CBGLOW2026 to reserve a spot.

Enrollment for 2026–2027

Enrollment for the next school year opens in April 2026. Because the program provides sustained support, students are required to register each year to participate in school-based sessions and special community events.To learn more about the program or to enroll, visit the Community Bridges website or contact them at info@communitybridges-md.org.

Note: This program is operated by Community Bridges, Inc., an external partner. It is not a program of Montgomery County Public Schools.