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Getting Ahead

A 17-week journey of self-discovery and stability.

Photos from

Spring 2026 Graduation

June 11, 2026

Pictorial: One graduation, two classes, countless achievements

On Tuesday night, our Bridges program celebrated and honored the graduates of not one, but two Getting Ahead classes! This is a first for the program, which has now completed eight cohorts with more ...
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More Information

About Getting Ahead

Build independence, create stability, gain hope.

Participants explore the factors affecting their financial and personal well-being through reflection, discussion, goal setting, community connections and resource support, creating a personalized Future Story and removing barriers to their success.

Participants must attend an in-person interview and commit to one evening each week for 17 weeks. The program is offered every spring and fall.

Goals and Outcomes

  • Improve stability and quality of life
  • Further education opportunities
  • Build self-sufficiency
  • Increase personal and family resources
  • Gain awareness of community resources

Eligibility Guidelines

  • Individuals earning less than 200% of the federal poverty level
  • Individuals not on permanent disability assistance
  • Individuals who have been in recovery, if needed, at least six months
  • Individuals who want to change their lives for the better

In-Class Supports

  • Childcare, ages 4 to 13
  • Dinner for participants and their children
  • Transportation, if needed
  • Food and gas cards, for each class attended

Get Started

Apply Now

We are always accepting applications for Getting Ahead. Classes typically start in late January and late August. 

Step 1

Apply

Access the online application using the button below. Please contact us if you would like a printable PDF or a hard copy.

Step 2

Complete Admissions Interview

As we near the next class we’ll reach out to applicants to for an admissions interview so we can learn more about the folks who might join.
October 13, 2025

Rebuilding Bridges: Angela’s story

“I was scared to do this and put myself out there, but if you think sharing my story will help others, then I really want to do it.”
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July 17, 2025

Five reasons you should apply for Getting Ahead

Getting Ahead is the cornerstone class of Copper Shores Bridges, a free program that helps people understand generational poverty and the steps to ...
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Meet the

Bridges Team

Richard Simpson - Featured Image

Richard Simpson

Program Coordinator - Copper Shores Bridges
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Angela Coon - Featured Image

Angela Coon

Receptionist and Getting Ahead Facilitator
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Aimee Kempen - Featured Image

Aimee Kempen

Getting Ahead Facilitator - Copper Shores Bridges
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Callisto Cortez - Featured Image

Callisto Cortez

Youth Development Specialist
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Zane Freeman - Featured Image

Zane Freeman

Community Support Specialist
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Kristine Martens - Featured Image

Kristine Martens

Program Director - Outreach & Education
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The Latest

News and Updates

June 11, 2026

Pictorial: One graduation, two classes, countless achievements

On Tuesday night, our Bridges program celebrated and honored the graduates of not one, but two Getting Ahead classes! This is a first for the ...
Read More
May 19, 2026

Exposing the weight of poverty on our community

Bridges Workshop, Tuesday, June 30, 2026 in Hancock “Being poor is like climbing a hill with a backpack full of rocks… some of us just have more ...
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February 17, 2026

Copper Shores Bridges nominated for 2026 SparkPlug Community Contributor of the Year

Copper Shores Bridges has been nominated for Community Contributor of the Year at the 2026 SparkPlug Awards, put on by the Keweenaw Chamber of ...
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December 11, 2025

Pictorial: Fall 2025 Getting Ahead Graduation

This week we celebrated an incredible group of individuals who completed our Getting Ahead course as part of our Bridges program! Over the last 17 ...
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How to Support

If you are interested in supporting the work being done through Copper Shores Bridges, please consider becoming a donor.
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