The Bridge: Kaua‘i to College began in the spring of 2016 with a simple idea and a few meaningful conversations.

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The idea came from Susan Davis, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist who had been listening closely—to her patients, her husband’s boat crew, and her stepdaughter. What she heard was a common thread: many high school students on Kaua‘i wanted to go to college, but didn’t know how to get there. She wondered—what if each student had a mentor to guide and encourage them, and to support their families along the way?

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Susan first shared the idea with her friend Alan Akana, a pastor at Kōloa Union Church. Alan, the first in his family to attend college and graduate school, traces his roots back six generations to Hawai‘i Island. He understood the need deeply and offered his enthusiastic support.

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Next, Susan brought the idea to her Hula Kumu, Leina‘ala Pavao Jardin of Ka Lei Mokihana o Leina‘ala. Born and raised on Kaua‘i, and having mentored generations of keiki through her hālau, Kumu Leina‘ala immediately recognized how valuable the program could be for the island’s youth. She too gave her full support.

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What started as conversations quickly blossomed into a joyful collaboration. Word spread—mainly through Kaua‘i’s legendary coconut wireless—and soon volunteers stepped forward, ready to give their time, talent, and resources. Within months, The Bridge had four mentoring pairs and celebrated its very first graduating senior.

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In May 2017, The Bridge became an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit registered in the State of Hawai‘i.

Our community continues to shape this work.

 

From our logo—generously created by artist and friend Don O’Malley—to the photographs throughout this website, captured by our supporter and photographer Deborah Gillikin, The Bridge is powered by the people who believe in our mission.

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Together, we’re building brighter futures, one relationship at a time.