Bridging the Gap

Bridge Building

Being able to have conversations with people who have differing perspectives is an important skill to have—which is why Bridging the Gap was created. In a world where our beliefs and opinions seem so polarized, it’s important that students and leaders are able to have courageous conversations that build connections rather than walls that separate us. We believe in the Bridging the Gap program because of the impact it’s had on students who come from various backgrounds and how they actively listen to others.

Origin Story

Bridging the Gap began in January 2020, as a partnership between Spring Arbor University and Oberlin College first formed to pilot the program. It employed a skills-based approach centered on relationship-building, intellectual humility, and open-mindedness, and still does today. The idea for participants is to engage in deep discussions, navigate difficult topics while prioritizing listening, understanding, and finding common ground—all without the expectation of changing minds.

90% of Americans say there are very strong conflicts between people who support different political parties.(Pew Research Center)

74% of Americans say discrimination based on their race or ethnicity is a serious problem in their society.(Pew Research Center)

Breaking Free from Fear

“Through Bridging the Gap, I have seen remarkable truth uncovered. I am no longer afraid of exploring my judgment and times that I ride the waves of ignorance, misunderstanding and assumption, and I invite others to do the same in love. Because of Bridging the Gap, I have become a critical participant in the contemporary world — even before I've crossed the graduation stage.”

Elizabeth Stewart, Class of 2021

Making a Lasting Impact

National Model for Bridge Building · 400+ Student Leaders Trained

Since we’ve piloted the program, BTG has expanded into a national model for bridge-building on college campuses, fostering meaningful dialogue and mutual understanding across differences. We’ve developed it into a semester-long course at SAU, and we’ve incorporated it into our Core 100 program, ensuring every student that attends Spring Arbor is taught BTG skills regardless of their major. Over 400 student leaders have been trained in BTG skills that prepare them to navigate difficult conversations and foster inclusive communities on campus.

Jackson Police Department · Henry Ford Health-Jackson · Jackson County ISD

We have provided formal training to Henry Ford Health–Jackson through a certificate program designed to equip their healthcare professionals with essential skills in bridge-building and active listening. In addition, we have been in contact with the Jackson Police Department and the Jackson County ISD about becoming official partners. Representatives from both organizations have visited campus to participate in sessions focused on bridge-building and active listening.

Students listening intently to Simon Greer speak in classroom.

Making Deeper Connections

“This program has helped strengthen the connections I already have with my coworkers, friends, and family. It’s helped me feel comfortable in the emergency department empathizing with people, listening, and sharing my own experiences to de-escalate situations or connect deeper with people.”

Anthony Jackson, Director of Emergency Services, Henry Ford Health - Jackson

Isreality Film | Simon Greer

Through the film, Israelity, Simon Greer and The Nantucket Project have partnered to bring together a group of people who possess significant networks and varying perspectives. This group of people traveled to Israel to explore the historical context and conflict happening between Israel and Palestine. The goal of this film is to help foster fair conversations about Israel and hearing from diverse opinions.

Spring Arbor University does not necessarily endorse or support the views, opinions, or content of The Nantucket Project or what is presented in this film.

Watch the Full Isreality Trailer

Looking Toward the Future

Bridging the Gap Institute

The Bridging the Gap Institute is the hub for our academic and professional training efforts focused on bridge-building, active listening, and constructive dialogue. Born out of our original 3-week undergraduate J-term course, the Institute now offers a semester-long course for undergraduates and has expanded to include components in our graduate nursing programs—equipping future healthcare leaders with vital communication and empathy skills.

We’ve also partnered with Henry Ford Health–Jackson to launch a certificate training program designed to prepare healthcare professionals for meaningful engagement across differences. Building on this success, we are currently developing additional credentialing opportunities specifically for HFHJ physicians.

Beyond healthcare, the Bridging the Gap Institute is exploring training partnerships with faith institutions, schools, and local law enforcement agencies. Representatives from the Jackson Police Department and Jackson County ISD have already participated in on-campus bridge-building sessions, and conversations continue about future collaboration.

The Institute is committed to equipping individuals and organizations with the tools they need to foster understanding, build trust, and promote healing within their communities. There will be more information to come, so stay tuned!

Executive Director, Bridging the Gap Institute

_______________________________________________________

Kevin Brown

Vice President for Student Development & Success Chief Diversity Officer
Spring Arbor University

[email protected]

Who’s talking about Bridging The Gap?

‘Mining the Depths of our Differences’
Seeking to have conversations that bridge the gap between those who have different ideals and beliefs, both religious and political.

How liberal college students found common ground with evangelical peers
Interfaith education and engagement can help bridge gaps between different groups at a time where the country is divided like never before.

We Need to Learn How to Talk to Each Other
It’s about going deeper and truly hearing a person when they speak. It’s about being curious without sacrificing or compromising your own convictions. It’s about keeping an open mind and looking for common ground, even when it seems unlikely.

The Search for Common Ground
Conservative and liberal foundations are putting money into a cadre of nonprofits working to help Americans find common ground on political and public policy matters.

Can Deep Listening Heal Our Divisions?
For bridge-builders in the U.S., the way forward is to engage deeply across lines of difference.

SAU facilitates courageous conversations through revolutionary “Bridging the Gap” program
Spring Arbor University will offer the “Bridging the Gap” program for the second time this January, with both Oberlin College and Cornerstone University participating.

When Students from Two Very Different Campuses Find a Path to Understanding Each Other
Two reputations, two narratives, one goal: to listen, learn and value each other.

Sway Podcast
At 32:50 Bridging the Gap is mentioned on an episode of “Sway,” with Kara Swisher and Oberlin’s president, Carmen Twillie Ambar.

TMSG: Bridging the Gap, having courageous conversations
For this week’s “Tell Me Something Good” report, anchor Chivon Kloepfer introduces us to a program gaining popularity with the sole purpose of talking through those heated topics, finding common ground, and helping the next generation of leaders learn, grow, and problem solve.

D.E.I. Is Not Working on College Campuses. We Need a New Approach.
Bridging the Gap at scale. The program is on nearly 200 college campuses.