After School Program Benefits to Students and Schools

Academic Enrichment: Studies show that learning bridge can improve a child's ability to perform better on standardized testing. According to a study from Carlinville, Illinois, middle-school children who learned bridge had test scores on the Iowa Test of Basic Skills that were 10-35% higher on the various subtests than their non-bridge playing peers. Carlinville, Ill. test score study.

Mathematical Aspects of Bridge

Social: Bridge offers the opportunity to meet, talk, and play in a safe, controlled environment. As a partnership game, bridge teaches communication skills, teamwork, cooperation and tolerance.

Reasoning and Logic: Bridge requires you to analyze information, make a plan, and then adjust that plan as more information is made available.

Competition: Bridge students can go on to participate in Youth Bridge competitions locally, regionally, and internationally, with opportunities to win paid trips and even scholarships for some players. Since no one makes a correct decision or play every time, the game teaches children sportsmanship: how to be good winners and good losers.

Fun for All: The game gives young people a chance to spend time with old friends and make new ones. These friendships may transcend age, geography, and social situations.

7 Reasons to Teach Your Kids Bridge (Huffington Post)