A collective effort launched Tomales High School’s first comprehensive tutoring program to improve student outcomes. This expansion of Bridge the Gap (BTG) into West Marin demonstrates the power of collaboration, where listening to students and working in partnership with schools, community organizations and donors is creating positive change.
Identifying the Need
Tomales High School serves 134 students, 70% of whom are students of color. Additionally, 45% are English Language Learners, and more than 50% come from low-income households. The school previously lacked academic support programs beyond regular school hours.
In 2020, the Partnership’s West Marin College Completion Team began surveying the school’s alumni and current students to better understand their post-high school outcomes. The results were concerning: many students felt unprepared for college or careers after graduation. This prompted the formation of the Tomales Success Network focused on addressing the needs of Tomales High School students.
Facilitated by Marin Promise Partnership’s Backbone Team, this network included key partners like Shoreline Unified School District, Marin Health & Human Services, 10,000 Degrees, College of Marin, West Marin Community Services, Point Reyes National Seashore Association, and West Marin Community Schools. Together, they aimed to boost college and career readiness by analyzing data on student outcomes.
From the 2022-23 school year, the data revealed that while 92% of Tomales students graduated, only 51% completed the A-G requirements necessary for California college eligibility. Furthermore, only 66% enrolled in college, and a mere 34% completed their degrees. High school pass rates (passing all courses with a C- or better) also reflected a need for intervention: 55% for 9th graders, 58% for 10th graders, 36% for 11th graders, and 48% for 12th graders. In examining this data, the Tomales Success Network found that academic support was the primary factor affecting these outcomes. This was echoed by Tomales students themselves, who cited the need for tutoring and academic guidance as their #1 priority.
Without any existing tutoring or extended-day programs, the need for academic support at Tomales High School was clear.
Bridge the Gap Steps In
The challenge then became identifying the best partner to provide academic support. While coordinating both the Tamalpais and Tomales Success Networks, a Backbone Team member identified how Bridge the Gap’s in & after-school tutoring and comprehensive support model had been successful at Tamalpais High School and could also benefit Tomales High. Bridge the Gap provides educational, social, emotional, and financial support to underserved students, ensuring they graduate high school and pursue college or other sustainable career paths. BTG’s success at Tamalpais High School during the 2023-2024 school year was undeniable: 84% of their seniors completed A-G requirements, 100% graduated, and 96% enrolled in college. With a strong track record in Marin City and Southern Marin, Bridge the Gap emerged as an ideal partner. Tomales High staff and the Tomales Success Network were eager to support the expansion of BTG’s programming.
Building the Bridge to Systems Change
In order to move from strategy to action, the partners involved needed to not only raise money for the program, but Bridge the Gap had to change their organizational policy to allow expansion to another region. BTG’s Board recognized that Tomales High School students face multiple barriers—factors beyond what the school alone can address, such as limited mental health resources, geographic isolation, and the need for more academic support. By adapting their organizational policy, Bridge the Gap’s Board took bold action, stepping up to meet these challenges. In order to launch and sustain this expansion, Bridge the Gap needed to raise funds to support tutors and a site coordinator. With initial funding from the Marin Community Foundation, BTG reached out to individual philanthropists, who rose to the occasion to secure the additional support needed.
This expansion of Bridge the Gap into West Marin would not have been possible without the collective effort of all partners, from students and school leaders to donors and community organizations. The partnerships that made this tutoring program a reality underscore that addressing structural barriers takes collaboration at every level. It’s a testament to the power of community-driven solutions, proving that when everyone plays a role in supporting student success, real change happens.
Funding has been secured to launch the program, but sustaining it beyond its initial three-year commitment will require continued partnership and investment to ensure these resources are available for the long term. West Marin’s remote location has historically made long-term program sustainability difficult, but with continued financial backing, this program can break that cycle and thrive for years to come.
A Promising Future
Just in time for the new school year, a full-time Site Coordinator has been hired to oversee the new tutoring program! As a longtime resident of Point Reyes Station and a Tomales High School alumni, she understands the unique challenges that this community faces—like geographic isolation and limited access to comprehensive support services for students and their families. This connection highlights the importance of having educators who understand the lived experiences of the students they serve—an essential aspect of driving lasting, equitable systems change.
Additionally, there will be 3-4 tutors working with students. The program will run from 10AM to 5PM daily.
The Coordinator will also co-facilitate the Tomales Success Network with the Marin Promise Partnership backbone team for the first six months, with the backbone team transitioning to coaching support in the second half of the year.
This story is a powerful example of collective impact. By listening to student voices and collaborating across sectors, the Tomales High School community has created a sustainable model for change. But this is only the beginning. Continued community support and investment are essential to ensuring the long-term success of this program and expanding its reach, giving every Tomales student the resources they need to thrive in high school and beyond.
