Vincent Academy is a tuition-free charter public elementary school offering rigorous academics, enrichment activities and after school and summer programs; BRIDGE is a nationally recognized nonprofit developer, owner and manager of affordable housing.
Vincent Academy (www.vincentacademy.org) and BRIDGE (bridgehousing.com) partnered on construction of a new building that will allow the school to expand to serve up to 350 students in transitional kindergarten through fifth grade and meet the demand for quality education in West Oakland. It is located adjacent to BRIDGE’s Chestnut Linden Court Apartments and in proximity to more than 700 affordable apartment homes developed or revitalized by BRIDGE.
“Through this partnership, Vincent Academy and BRIDGE have an unprecedented chance to create a true ‘neighborhood of opportunity’ in West Oakland—where families have quality affordable housing, children are academically successful, families can access support services, and the community stabilizes and thrives,” said Vincent Academy co-founder Jean Driscoll.
“This community development addresses two systems—housing and education—that have a fundamental impact on children and families,” said BRIDGE Housing President and CEO Cynthia Parker. “Together with Vincent Academy, we look forward to continuing our commitment to West Oakland.”
Funding for the $9.5 million project included a New Markets Tax Credit investment by Chase, a loan from the Low Income Investment Fund, and contributions raised through the Vincent Academy-BRIDGE Campaign for West Oakland. The architect is Siegel and Strain Architects and the general contractor is Charles Pankow Builders.
Among the expected speakers at the grand opening: Kate Nicol, Executive Director, Partners in Oakland Education; David Silver, Director of Education, City of Oakland; Corinne Ingrassia, Chase; Craig Adelman, Low Income Investment Fund; Melina Esquilin, President, Vincent Academy PTAC; and Cynthia Parker, BRIDGE Housing.
For Vincent Academy enrollment information, visit www.vincentacademy.org or contact Lakisha Hill at 510.452.2100.For more information about BRIDGE, visit bridgehousing.com.
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Event photos: http://on.fb.me/1PAaKxD
About Vincent Academy:
Vincent Academy (VA) is a tuition-free charter elementary school, kindergarten through fifth grade, offering rigorous academics, enrichment activities and after school and summer camp programs located in the heart of West Oakland. The combination of a state-of-the-art education program, enriched by the arts, with a range of family support services makes Vincent Academy an extraordinary elementary school and an important community asset. More information available at www.vincentacademy.org