PeerForward Launches ‘PeerForward Bermuda’
United States-based PeerForward has launched PeerForward Bermuda in partnership with the Mirrors Programme.
A spokesperson said, “PeerForward, the U.S.-based national nonprofit supporting and empowering students from underserved communities as they navigate the pathways to college and career, announced today its launch of PeerForward Bermuda – formally marking the organization’s first venture outside of the United States. This news comes on the heels of the organization announcing the celebration of its milestone 30th anniversary.
“PeerForward has formed its own independent entity in Bermuda and will continue to collaborate with its different partners on the ground. The Mirrors Programme has been a major collaborator and, previously, the two mission-aligned organizations have hosted a series of trainings, networking events and community-centered activations, all of which they will continue to produce while identifying new ways to support the needs of college bound youth throughout Bermuda.”
Gary Z. Linnen, CEO of PeerForward, said, “As PeerForward enters a milestone year, it’s important for us to acknowledge the different pillars that have uplifted our organization and continued to push us forward.
“As we look to the future, and expand our influence in Bermuda, we’re honored to welcome Craig Bridgewater to our board as we reinforce our foundation. Craig, who will chair PeerForward Bermuda and also join the U.S. board, is a venerated leader, and we look forward to learning from his insights and understandings of this special market as we chart the course for another successful 30 years. We sincerely thank Mirrors for their indelible collaboration over the past five years.”
Craig Bridgewater, Chair, PeerForward Bermuda Ltd, said, “It is a distinct honor to help lead the establishment of PeerForward Bermuda in order to build upon the work that has been done in Bermuda by the U.S. organization, in collaboration with Mirrors, to guide senior school students to tertiary educational experiences and careers. PeerForward brings 30 years of success in promoting young people to college and university, igniting opportunities that otherwise may not have been realized.”
The spokesperson said, “The organization aims to build on the success of program alumni like Richard L. Johnston, Tajer Basden, A’Mya Harvey, and Breynia Darrell from Bermuda who have carved their own paths to postsecondary success.”
Mr Johnston, a graduate of CedarBridge Academy who now studies law at the University of Buckingham, said, “PeerForward made the concept of attending college seem achievable. Without PeerForward, I would not be attending the University of Buckingham right now.”
The spokesperson said, “Mr Basden, also a CedarBridge Academy graduate, now attends HBCU Johnson C. Smith University in North Carolina and credits PeerForward’s summer workshop for helping guide his college and scholarship application process. A’Mya Harvey and Breynia Darrell, graduates of The Berkeley Institute who now attend Bermuda College, reflect the program’s growing impact.
“Ms Harvey said she hoped to inspire more support for postsecondary plans in her school. Ms Darrell described a Peer Leader as someone who strives not just for their own success but for others as well, recalling how classmates often approached her during free periods for help with college applications.
“PeerForward is proud to operate in Bermuda, acknowledging supporting partners like Allan & Gill Gray Foundation, Bermuda Community Foundation, Centennial Bermuda Foundation, and Gibraltar Re. The organization is in the process of becoming a registered Bermuda charity.”
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