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THOMAS J. GRIFFIN BRIDGES PROGRAM
An Educational Program for Inner City Young Men The Thomas J. Griffin Bridges Program seeks to build upon the school's mission, by reaching out to talented young men from neighboring inner cities and providing them with support
and an environment in which they can learn and develop. The Program provides financial and social support to high achieving, economically
disadvantaged, inner city young men, so that they may attend Seton Hall Prep and successfully graduate. In addition to substantial tuition assistance, support is provided to the student and his family by a formal network of
sponsors, mentors, big brothers, school administrators, faculty and parents whose efforts are coordinated by a full-time program director. The major components of the Program are described below:
1. Tuition Assistance: Every student in the program receives financial assistance. The amount of aid is determined by the Parent's Financial Statement as assessed by the School and Student
Services for Financial Aid. 2. Counseling: Griffin Bridges employs a full-time program director whose primary obligation is to see to the needs of the students. 3. Big Brother Component:
Each freshman in the program is provided with several big brothers (juniors and seniors from the general Seton Hall Prep population) who assist with his transition into high school. 4. Mentoring Component:
Each student in the program is provided with a mentor, a Seton Hall Prep alumnus, who volunteers to assist the student with any needs. They act as role models and help the student with college and career advice and
encouragement.
Who is eligible for the Griffin Bridges Program?
Griffin Bridges serves students from low-income families that reside in Newark, East Orange, Orange and Irvington only. The student must have a
significant financial need
which would preclude him from attending SHP under regular financial aid allowances. Although Seton Hall Prep recognizes a real need in many more areas of New Jersey we are limited by financial resources and an abundance of potential candidates in these cities.
How do we determine significant financial need?
Eligibility is determined by family size and household income. In 2003-2004, the
household income of students in the program averaged approximately $32,500 for a family of three.
To financially qualify for the Griffin Bridges Program a family's annual income should not exceed the amount on
the income chart below.
Household Size |
Annual Income |
3 |
$39,000 |
4 |
$45,000 |
5 |
$51,000 |
For each additional dependant add $6,000 |
If the family is not within the given financial parameters, but believes that qualifications
are met, Griffin Bridges will review the application on an Individual basis.How do you apply for the Griffin Bridges Program?
To be considered for the Griffin Bridges Program, a candidate must first contact Seton Hall Prep and complete all parts of the regular admissions process: an official transcript covering 6th, 7th
and the first quarter of 8th grade, the completed Application for Admission and completion of the SHP Entrance Exam no later than the last testing date in December.
Eligible candidates who express interest in the program will be mailed a Griffin Bridges application which requires several short essays. The application is due in
mid-December. In addition, the candidate's family must schedule an interview with the Program Director and a member of the Program's Advisory Committee. A student's
acceptance into the program is competitive and is decided by an advisory committee based upon admittance to Seton Hall Prep, successful completion of the Griffin Bridges
application, a determination of significant financial need and their personal interview. We typically accept five incoming freshmen per year.For more information please write or call:
Thomas J. Griffin Bridges Program
Seton Hall Preparatory School
120 Northfield Avenue
West Orange, NJ 07052
973-325-6784 |
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