Bridges to Learning has grown from its initial support of a few students through sponsorships and public donations to broadly supporting programs that support the entire Anh Linh School student body and teachers. These programs include: Building Schools, Student & Educational Support, Research & Public Understanding, Creating Partnerships, and School Asset Management.

Building Schools

As Jerri was completing her stay in Saigon and her teaching at Anh Linh, the initiative to add three more grades, levels 6 – 9, was underway. From early 2005 through 2006, Bridges to Learning raised over $100,000 to support the construction of a beautiful new school completed in March 2007.

The program was such a success that Cam Thuy received approval from the government to rebuild the old primary school. Thus the demolition of the old classrooms began and a renewed fund raising effort begun.

Out of the rubble came a new elementary school which elicited a "wow" when first seen by Jerri in 2009. The new classrooms provide abundant light and air for the students' learning environment. In addition Bridges to Learning is helping Anh Linh plan for its future capital needs. Anh Linh has a plot of land between its existing buildings and is contemplating how to best proceed with expansion.

Student and Educational Support

Bridges to Learning directly supports a total of 257 of the 401 Anh Linh students through sponsorships and other donations as follows:

• Elementary School: 185 children in grades 1 through 5
• Secondary School: 94 children in grades 6 through 10
• Public school tuition support: 122 children

Additionally, Bridges to Learning sponsorships and donations have piloted several other programs and currently support:

• Anh Linh dormitory housing for 30 middle school girls and off-site accommodations for 10 boys
• The Breakfast Fund, which provides students with a nutritious and protein rich breakfast every day at school
• The Eyeglass Fund, which supplies low-vision students with corrective eyewear
• The English Program, which contributes to the maintenance of quality English teachers and learning aides
• Materials and resources, such as books, blackboards, computers, equipment, and ancillary supplies
• Translation for the caring letters and other communications from sponsors
• Access to health care, including suicide prevention, counselling, surgery when needed, dental care and other wellness support

Research & Dissemination

Bridges to Learning gathers information that can be useful for strategic decision-making. Bridges to Learning uses the letters and emails from students and schools in Vietnam, stories about their progress, and photos to help donors and interested parties understand the needs of the Anh Linh students and help them understand education in its global context. Bridges to Learning staff create opportunities that help donors act globally, and also act locally with increased connections to the local Vietnamese community. Fostering understanding and building heartfelt connections and a caring community is part of Bridges to Learning's job.

Collaborations & Partnerships

As one of a relatively small number of organizations supplying resources to poor children in Vietnam, Bridges to Learning is uniquely positioned to become an organization that is helpful to more educational organizations than Anh Linh School. Bridges to Learning initiates collaborations and partnerships to carry out our mission. We seek partners who work with models similar to ours, and with educational programs and resources that develop leadership capacities in the schools we serve.

For example, Bridges to Learning has helped the internationally focused Singapore American School (SAS) partner with Anh Linh Free School. Students from SAS help Anh Linh students with their English during their periodic trips to Anh Linh School. They also build websites, maintain technology, and donate equipment, books and supplies. Bridges to Learning has also created partnerships with other schools in Vietnam and looks to expand more.