Bridge DA Gap: Empowering Youth Through Education
Bridge DA Gap is a 501c3 non-profit organization that utilizes music to enhance the social-emotional development of youth in the areas of character building principles, life skills and self-regulation. Bridge DA Gap infuses Hip Hop music with the latest advances in technology to present youth in grades 6 through 12 with a comprehensive social-emotional development curriculum.
Our online curriculum and textbook is designed to help the youth build foundations, advance dreams, and transform lives through character building.
Bridge DA Gap At A Glance
Online Curriculum
An online curriculum and textbook designed to help youth build foundations, advance dreams, and transform lives through character building.
Building Foundations
Our curriculum focuses on empowering youth with the essential skills and knowledge they need to succeed in life.
Advancing Dreams
We provide opportunities for students to develop their talents, pursue their passions, and make a positive impact on the world.
Transforming Lives
Our program fosters character development, leadership skills, and a commitment to making a difference.
Benefits
CONNECTS
CONNECTS … with students by using music to instill character building traits and multi-media tools that engage and motivate
EQUIPS
EQUIPS … youth with foundational skills to address social-emotional issues encountered daily that interfere with their ability to excel academically
INSPIRES
INSPIRES … through real-life relevant stories youth can relate to since they mirror their own lives
MOTIVATES
MOTIVATES… youth to stay in school — GRADUATE — and strive to be SUCCESSFUL and SIGNIFICANT
The Solution Is Here!
Founder
Founded in 2008 by Grammy Nominated Super Producer, Kevin Khao Cates.
Dr. Kevin “Khao” Cates is an entrepreneur, philanthropist and music producer. Khao, a native of Montgomery, Alabama, is also the same multi-platinum, Grammy nominated producer, who lives by the motto, “Don’t just be successful, be significant!”
With over 30 million combined records sold, Khao has revolutionized the sound of Hip-Hop music by producing sounds and melodies that cross various genres of music.
He has also positioned himself as a major player in the music industry, while maintaining full control of his production and publishing.
In 2008 Khao took time off from music to create Bridge DA Gap. Bridge DA Gap is a 501c3 non-profit organization that combines hip hop music, education and mentoring to reach students and teach life skills applicable in today’s socially challenged environment. Bridge DA Gap has been implemented in schools across the United States as well as in the Bahamas.
Stefany Jones
Executive Director
Dr. Stefany Jones, CEO of Hustle Mama Magazine, is globally recognized as a digital empire builder with extensive experience in business strategy, digital media, and entrepreneurship. Her strategic approach to digital branding and online community building helps Bridge Da Gap connect with more youth, educators, and communities. Dr. Jones’ work contributes directly to expanding the impact of Bridge Da Gap’s mission, which focuses on empowering young people through education, mentorship, and music.
Our Board
Egbert Perry
Read Bio
Egbert L. J. Perry is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Integral, a national urban development company he co-founded in 1993 with a mission to “create value in cities and (re)build the fabric of communities.” The company is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, and specializes in large-scale mixed use development projects and a wide variety of housing and housing-anchored developments in the mid-Atlantic, Southeast, Southwest, and Western regions of the United States..
Speech
Read Bio
Entertainer, Performer, Writer, Producer, Song-Writer, Philanthropist. Speech, the lead vocalist of the groundbreaking group Arrested Development, has been a powerful voice in socially conscious hip-hop since the early 1990s. His music, rooted in uplifting messages and positive activism, earned global recognition with hits like “Tennessee” and “People Everyday.” Beyond music, Speech is also a humanitarian, featured in the documentary 16 Bars, where he worked with inmates to produce music and inspire change. His work continues to impact and inspire communities worldwide..
Ronnie Lott
Read Bio
Former American college and professional football player who was a cornerback, free safety, and strong safety in the National Football League (NFL) for fourteen seasons during the 1980s and 1990s.
Armstrong Williams
Read Bio
An American political commentator, entrepreneur, author of a nationally syndicated conservative newspaper column, and host of a daily radio show and a nationally syndicated TV program called The Armstrong Williams Show. Williams is also founder and CEO of the Graham Williams Group, an international marketing, advertising, and media public relations consulting firm, and is a political talk show host on TV and radio. He is principal in Howard Stirk Holdings, a media company affiliated with Sinclair Broadcasting that has made numerous television station purchases and hosts interns. It was one of only a few African American owned media companies. (Wikipedia)
Justin Fishkin
Read Bio
Justin is currently CFO and Chief Strategy Officer of ByFusion, where he is focused on turning plastic waste into infrastructure. As Chief Strategy Officer of Local Motors, he co-created the world’s first 3D printed cars and self-driving buses. Prior to Local Motors, he served as Senior Portfolio Manager of Carbon War Room, the organization founded by Sir Richard Branson to identify and scale profitable solutions to climate change. Justin began his career at Goldman Sachs and spent a decade on Wall Street as an investment banker and investor. He received his BA in Economics from Duke University and is a native of Washington, D.C.
Everett Darby
Read Bio
Everett Darby is a senior consultant and partner with Growth River Consulting, which focuses on developing business leaders and teams.
HIlary DeCesare
Read Bio
Co-founder of Everloop.com, Hilary is an award-winning entrepreneur, experienced in all aspects of launching and growing a business and is a digital parenting expert. Hilary developed the Everloop platform to give kids under 13 a safe, online homebase to connect with friends, play games, share pictures and music, discover new talents and learn using the most powerful online privacy protection and technologies available.
.
Laureen Lamb
Read Bio
VP Strategic Programs and Outcomes - Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta
Carrie Schwab-Pomerantz
Read Bio
Carrie Schwab-Pomerantz, CFP®, is a leading advocate for financial literacy and one of America’s most trusted sources for financial advice. She has devoted her career to helping men and women from all walks of life achieve financial security. In addition, she oversees Schwab’s corporate philanthropy and employee volunteer programs, which aim to strengthen the communities where Schwab operates.
Dr. Charles Steele Jr.
Read Bio
American businessman, politician and civil rights leader. He was the first African American elected to the City Council of Tuscaloosa and one of the first African Americans elected to the Alabama State Senate. From 2004 to 2009, he was the National President and CEO of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, co-founded by Martin Luther King Jr. Steele is the founder and President of Charles Steele and Associates, located in Atlanta, Georgia.
Tommy Dortch Jr.
Read Bio
Hall of Fame Honoree Thomas W. Dortch Jr., chairman and CEO of TWD Inc., and chairman emeritus of 100 Black Men of America, has worked diligently to dismantle systemic barriers to empowerment.
Our Impact
Children Helped
6893 children have benefited from our programs.
Volunteers
200 dedicated volunteers support our mission.
Future Goals
Expanding to new school districts, schools, and partners.
Our Sponsors
