Golden Bridge Project
The Golden Bridge Project is a leadership and mentorship program connecting high school and college student volunteers with adults with disabilities through through consistent, individualized relationships and activities.
Inspired by EduBud’s 2025–2026 Blue Bridge Project, the program reflects EduBud’s growing commitment to inclusion and belonging. It brings together individuals with diverse abilities, strengths, and support needs, creating opportunities to build meaningful relationships and grow together.
Inspired by the symbolism of a bridge, the program connects students through shared experiences, collaboration, and service. Gold represents worth, potential, achievement, and the belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to grow, contribute, and shine.
Through friendship, leadership development, and community service, Golden Bridge is designed to work toward shared goals while building lasting bridges of understanding, belonging, and opportunity.
How It All Began
Golden Bridge began with a simple idea: meaningful relationships can create meaningful opportunities.
After seeing the impact of EduBud’s Blue Bridge Project, we wanted to build a project that could create more consistent, individualized connections between student volunteers and adults with diverse disabilities.
The Golden Bridge Project is designed to:
Build Inclusion & Belonging
Celebrate individual strengths
Foster meaningful friendships
Develop Student Leadership
Connect & Serve Community
Explore New Interests & Potential
Each buddy team will work toward both individualized goals tailored to the EduBud student's interests, strengths, and needs, as well as larger program-wide initiatives that promote inclusion, service, and community impact.
*This program is intended for students seeking a deeper level of commitment and leadership experience beyond traditional volunteer service.
2026 Finalists:
Top Row (L-R)
Yeongwoo Mason Roh (UC Santa Barbara)
Kevin Lee (11th, Lambert High School)
Hyerin Lilly Roh (11th, Lambert High School)
Jiho Chloe Park (11th, North Gwinnett High School)
Hyunwoo Jimmy Kang (10th, Lambert High School)
Eyan Gribble (12th, Peachtree Ridge High School)
Bottom Row (L-R)
Jiwoo Julie Park (University of Georgia)
Elise Park (11th, Peachtree Ridge High School)
Hameed AI-Hajj (University of Pittsburg)
Chloe Nguyen (12th, Peachtree Ridge High School)
Grace Kim (10th, Johns Creek High School)
Caren Lee (12th, Johns Creek High School)
Eligibility & Commitment
Age/Education:
15+ or rising 10th grader, or currently enrolled in college.
Program Commitment:
Participate for the full year, September 2026–May 2027.
Training:
Attend the required August 2026 orientation and training.
Character:
Demonstrate maturity, professionalism, & commitment.
Expectation:
Fulfill all program responsibilities & commitments.
How to Join
01 — Review
Review the program information, requirements, and volunteer commitments.
02 — Apply
Complete and submit the online application.
03 — Interview
Selected applicants will be invited to an interview.
04 — Get Trained
Accepted volunteers attend orientation and training in August 2026.
05 — Get Started
Volunteer service officially begins in September 2026.
Your Golden Bridge Journey
1 EduBud Community Center Student Buddy
+
2 High School/College Volunteer Buddies
Buddy Teams
Program Timeline
September 2026 – May 2027
Weekly Zoom Meetings
1 hour weekly 15 min. partner planning + 45 min. buddy session
Annual Events
2 major events
Holiday Celebration • End-of-Year Gala
Community Engagement
2 additional service and engagement events
For undergraduate college students attending school outside of Georgia or participants with approved circumstances, a fully virtual participation option may be available upon approval. Please note that because relationship-building and community engagement are central components of the program, priority will be given to applicants who are able to participate in the standard hybrid model. Requests for fully virtual participation will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Applicants interested in the virtual option should indicate this in their application and be prepared to discuss their circumstances during the interview process.
Monthly Themes
September
Getting to Know You
Personal interests
Create "All About Me" presentation
Set buddy friendship goals
In-Person Meeting
December
Holiday Celebration Planning
Plan Christmas party activities
Decorations
Games committee
Holiday performance
Major Event:
Annual Holiday Celebration
January
New Year Goal Setting
Vision board
Personal growth goals
Independent living goals
In-Person Meeting
February
Friendship & Communication
Conversation Skills
Friendship Challenges
Valentine's Activities
Valentine's Care Day
March
Leadership Development
Student-Led Meetings
Public Speaking Practice
Event Planning
Team Leadership Activities
In-Person Meeting
April
Community Service Project
Donation drive
Care packages
Awareness campaign
Minor Community Event:
Nature Walk / 5K
May
Reflection & Celebration
End-of-year presentation
Awards
Graduation recognition
Major Event:
End-Of-Year Gala
October
Community Awareness
Learn about community resources
Plan small awareness campaign
Create social media or poster project
Minor Community Event:
November
Gratitude Project
Thank-you cards
Volunteer appreciation gifts
Community kindness challenge
In-Person Meeting
Highlighted Events: Shared program events where both the Golden Bridge Project and Evergreen Project will come together throughout the year to strengthen the larger EduBud community.