Tipping the Scale Mentoring Program
The Bridge of Northeast Florida and Baptist Health have partnered for more than eight years on behalf of at-risk youth through Tipping the Scale, an adolescent advocacy and intervention mentoring program that is unique to Northeast Florida. Since its inception, 889 students have participated in the program and 98 percent have graduated from high school. All are enrolled in college, the military or gainfully employed. Tipping the Scale has been recognized by national and local organizations for its effectiveness. The program was recently honored with a TELEmachus Innovation Award for unique and effective demonstration of best practices in program management; exceptional retention of and satisfaction among mentors; and overall improvement in the lives of mentored youth.
Baptist Health's 2006 investment of more than $100,000 in Tipping the Scale was complemented by funding from other community partners and thousands of volunteer hours invested by Baptist Health employees who mentored teens one-on-one. Our combined investment promises long-term returns as these teens break the cycle of powerlessness and take responsibility for shaping the future.
