Téa Leoni Kicks Off Fundraising Campaign via Social Media to Support Antioch University’s Bridge Program

Actress Téa Leoni, known for her role as Elizabeth McCord on CBS’s Madam Secretary, announced that she will match contributions dollar-for-dollar up to $30,000 to Antioch University’s Bridge Program, which provides free college courses for adults in Los Angeles who might not otherwise have access to higher education.

“I believe that education can transform us as individuals and as a community, it informs our ability to think outside the box, to think critically and rationally, to communicate and compromise and contribute to our own and others’ well-being,” said Ms. Leoni. “The Bridge Program is a unique and critical program, and this month I will be matching contributions up to $30,000.  Every dollar donated helps to continue and expand The Bridge Program so that we can change peoples’ lives through education.”

Offered through Antioch University Los Angeles, The Bridge Program provides free college courses to adults who might not otherwise access higher education. Students earn up to 15 units while studying the Humanities and Writing for nine months. The program is free to students and includes tuition, textbooks, school supplies, and bus tokens for those who need help with transportation. Bridge has four locations – Culver City, Boyle Heights, Long Beach, and Norwalk. Opened in fall 2015, the Norwalk site is a part of collaboration with YouthBuild Charter School of California. Since Bridge’s inception in 1999, over 600 students have completed the Bridge program. Many have continued their education and earned associate, bachelors, and master’s degrees.

Kathryn Pope, Bridge Program Director at Antioch University Los Angeles, believes the challenge grant will be instrumental for the Bridge Program.  “We are grateful to have Ms. Leoni as an advocate for Bridge. Her support will help make it possible for Bridge to continue to give students not only access to education, but also to the tools necessary to succeed in education.”

The goal of the social media campaign, which runs through the month of May, is to raise awareness of the Bridge Program in addition to raising at least $30,000 by May 31. For more information about the campaign or to participate, please visit http://bit.ly/1rdIkCP  or #Bridge4Change.