2017 Catalyst Award Finalist
Building Bridges
ISTO Advisors
TD Ameritrade Institutional
Nearly two decades ago, Paul Housey founded Building Bridges, a nonprofit dedicated to inspiring underprivileged children in Pontiac, Mich. to believe in themselves by connecting them with adult role models and private high school scholarships. Since 2004, Building Bridges has partnered with Notre Dame Preparatory High School in Pontiac to sponsor dozens of high school students, connecting them with high quality education and putting them on the path to a college education. Paul is committed to spending every dollar Building Bridges raises on scholarships and related programming; he and his wife personally finance all other organizational overhead expenses. His enthusiasm for education inspires annual fundraising events and encourages the Board members he has assembled over the past decades to also give generously.
Building Bridges has changed the trajectory of the lives of many young adults in Pontiac, allowing them to attain an education and break the cycle of poverty that affects many families in the community. The organization also connects students with adult advocates who provide mentoring and real world guidance over the students’ four-year high school career and beyond. Every graduate of the program has gone on to pursue a college education. In 2017, Building Bridges plans to support 40 high school students and will underwrite more than $300,000 in tuition payments.