History

 In 1980, Shirley Follen and Fred Ryan, teachers at Loyalist College, Belleville, Ontario, decided a new approach was needed for teaching a Report Writing Course. As a result, the traditional textbook style was replaced with reporting personal experiences.  To this end, students spent two mornings per week in an Elementary School. Their assignments included written and oral reports on their experiences working with children with special learning needs. Report writing became something special. However, at the end of the semester the students regretted leaving their placements and suggested a summer program should be designed to continue helping these children.  Thus the program Growing Together began, to be renamed later, Quinte Community Learning – Bridging the Gap.  Initially, space was provided in Loyalist College and College vans were rented to transport children to their new summer experience. High school and Post-Secondary students were hired and with volunteers and College placement students, this was the beginning of 25 years of helping children discover that learning is fun. The next year, Summer Programs were also provided at the Stirling Public School and Prince Charles Public School in Belleville. Although volunteers are important to the success of this program, with constant and active fund raising, high school and post-secondary students are hired, providing them with experience that often leads to careers in teaching and social work. Also, at the end of each Summer Program they are required to write a final report, summing up their experiences, special events and outcomes of the program. This report is useful resume material for the workers, and is also an important evaluation tool. 

In 1990 Bridging the Gap was incorporated, officially registered as a Charity, and became a United Way member. There are now Summer Programs in Belleville and  Trenton. The After-Three program, which began in Belleville in 1991, was a spin-off of the Summer Program, later to be offered in Trenton  as well. With the same philosophy, which is a belief in individual learning styles/needs, and the importance of listening, the Summer and After Three Programs offer social and learning support while being committed to the rule that a child is never kicked out of the program for bad behavior. 

 The year 2010 celebrates 30 years that Bridging the Gap has provided support to over  2500 children in the Quinte area.