Buena Vista University and The Bridge of Storm Lake have entered a Strategic Partnership that mutually benefits both organizations as they strive to strengthen the communities they serve.
This partnership allows employees of The Bridge of Storm Lake, as well as eligible family members of full-time employees, to receive grant funding to lower the overall cost of education while enrolled in classes at BVU’s Storm Lake campus. Partner grant funding also lowers the cost per credit hour for students enrolled in BVU’s convenient online undergraduate programs or the organizational leadership graduate program.
“Part of our mission is to develop young leaders, so this is a good opportunity for our young and growing leaders to have access to a good education at a discounted cost,” says The Bridge of Storm Lake CEO and Youth Advocate Shelly Rock. “Not only will our young leaders grow as a result, but it will also make our organization stronger.”
The Bridge of Storm Lake strives to care and advocate for Storm Lake youth in vulnerable places of life by meeting them where they are, building a supportive community there, and providing training toward a more hope-filled future. The nonprofit positive youth development organization carries out its goal of building healthy and resilient youth by offering youth and summer programs, neighborhood gatherings, and job skills and training through Endless Sea Coffee, an on-site roastery and coffee shop.
“I liked the small campus feel of BVU,” says The Bridge of Storm Lake Communication and Endless Sea Operations Director Chelsea Hogrefe, who received her bachelor’s degree in communications studies and psychology in 2010. “I also liked how that allowed me to get to know my professors. I feel like I received a better education and formed better relationships by being able to talk to them, not having to email them.”
“Buena Vista University is thrilled to become Strategic Partners with The Bridge of Storm Lake, an organization focused on connecting, supporting, and empowering our local youth,” says BVU Director of Strategic Partnerships Laura Todd. “An affordable education is central to building stronger individuals and communities, so we look forward to the opportunities our collaboration with The Bridge of Storm Lake and the many positive impacts it will have in Storm Lake and beyond.”
For more information about BVU’s Strategic Partnerships and partner opportunities, please visit the BVU website at bvu.edu/strategic-partnerships or contact Strategic Partnerships at StrategicPartnerships@bvu.edu.
