Recognition & Awards
Afterschool Alliance
2011 & 2012
Priscilla Steinmetz was selected as one of 20 “Afterschool Ambassadors” in the country in recognition of The Bridge Teen Center having some of the most innovative and successful teen-specific programming in the nation.
Moraine Valley Community College
2013
The Bridge Teen Center’s afterschool programs were recognized with a Moraine Valley Community College Business Champion Award in the category of Training and Development.
Global Youth Service Day
2013 & 2014
In recognition of being a leader in the field of youth development, Youth Service America selected The Bridge Teen Center as a “Lead Agency” for Global Youth Service Day (GYSD) for two consecutive years. GYSD is the oldest and largest youth-driven day of service in the world.
The John Maxwell Co.
2014, 2015 & 2019
Priscilla Steinmetz was selected as a "Top 100" finalist in the country for the John Maxwell Leadership Award in recognition of the work of The Bridge Teen Center. John Maxwell is an internationally-known leadership expert and best-selling author.
Illinois Afterschool Network
2015
The Illinois Afterschool Network awarded Priscilla Steinmetz the Richard Scofield Award in recognition of her leadership as the Founder of The Bridge Teen Center. This is the state’s highest honor for the leader of an afterschool program.
U.S. Conference of Mayors
2015
The Bridge Teen Center led an innovative, multi-tiered anti-bullying campaign that helped earn the Village of Orland Park a prestigious Livability Award from a pool of more than 200 applicants from across the country.
True Inspiration Award
2018 & 2020
Selected as one of four finalists in the Midwest region by the Chick-fil-A Foundation, The Bridge Teen Center won the $75,000 True Inspiration Award after more than 18,000 votes were cast by the public for the organization.
State of Illinois Proclamation
2021 & 2022
A formal proclamation was issued in the State of Illinois naming November "Empowering Teens Month" in honor of The Bridge Teen Center's holistic programming for teens.
Orland Park's Business of the Month
February 2023
The Bridge Teen Center was proclaimed by Mayor Keith Pekau and Village Trustees as Orland Park's "Business of the Month" in recognition of the dedication, innovation, entrepreneurial spirit and community contribution.
