Wegmans Grant to BRIDGES Afterschool Program Helps Support Student Success

December 16th, 2025

Students enrolled in the BRIDGES afterschool program at Bollman Bridge Elementary School (BBES) always look forward to Cooking Club, where they have the opportunity to learn about food safety, healthy eating habits, and try their hand at making healthy foods.

A recent visit from Kyle Yingling, executive chef at Wegmans in Columbia, kicked BBES BRIDGES students’ enthusiasm for Cooking Club into high gear. During his visit, Chef Kyle demonstrated how to make energy balls and wrap sandwiches, which students had the opportunity to make and sample. He also shared fun food facts and answered students’ questions about his favorite food, becoming a chef, and his work history.

Chef Kyle’s visit was made possible through a $2,000 grant Wegmans awarded the BRIDGES program this year. In addition to that visit, the grant—which was split among BRIDGES’ Cooking Clubs at six schools (BBES; Cradlerock, Running Brook, Stevens Forest and Talbott Springs elementary schools, and Oakland Mills Middle School)—has enabled the clubs to purchase ingredients for students to use to make assorted healthy recipes. This is the second time Wegmans has awarded the grant to the BRIDGES program.

“The Wegmans grant funding goes a long way,” says BBES BRIDGES Cooking Club Lead teacher Dominique Lafrance. “Students are introduced to new fruits and vegetables, and different kid-friendly recipes. They work together one day a week after school to make their own healthy snacks, taste, and share their experiences. Overall, the grant helps us teach our students some life skills that will last forever.”

From Wegmans Columbia service area manager Tony Miller’s perspective, the grant is all about supporting student success.

“At Wegmans, we believe in making a difference in every community we serve, and one of our biggest community priorities is helping young people succeed,” Miller says. “Through our partnership with [HCPSS], we’re helping youth in our community by teaching them the skills to prepare healthy meals. We are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to team up with a school system in our own neighborhood that shares our community values, passion for helping young people succeed, and love for food.”

Cooking Club is one of several enrichment activities offered through BRIDGES, in conjunction with community partners. Other activities include an environmental education workshop, led by the Maryland Park Service; literacy workshops, held by the Howard County Library System; science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics-related activities, funded through the Howard County Local Children’s Board; sports activities using equipment donated by the Coach Luby Foundation; and more. All of the enrichment activities are designed to reinforce and complement what students learn during the school day.

Students in the BRIDGES program additionally attend Book or Math Club, depending on their academic needs.

Funded by 21st Century Community Learning Centers (CCLC) federal grants, BRIDGES is open by invitation to students in grades 2-8 who need additional support in reading and/or math based on academic assessment data and teacher recommendations.

Additional information about the BRIDGES program is available online.