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“What has most impressed about the BTG program are two distinct but related elements: the quality of the students and the thoughtfulness of the program administration. We are bolstered and strengthened by having the kind of community partnerships and resources that programs like Bridging the Gaps brings to our agency. Thank you for all you are doing through this program. It makes a difference.“
-BTG Community Partner
In 2025, Bridging the Gaps (BTG) proudly entered its 35th program year. BTG has provided health-related service through more than 650 community organizations and has educated more than 6,400 health and social service professionals across Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
The BTG program has had an impact not only on the communities served, but also on the students who participate. Many have had experiences that altered their view of health care.
The Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania serve as the fiscal sponsor for Bridging the Gaps.
“When each day came to a close, I found myself contemplating how socioemotional factors and economic factors undoubtedly shape a child’s development, but also the critical role a caring adult may play in counteracting this trajectory. I hope that our actions this summer inspired the students to dream a little bigger.“
-BTG CHIP Student Intern
“BTG provided an arena where I truly felt connected and in touch with the individuals that I was treating. Having that hands-on experience and witnessing the effects of the work I did definitely shaped my medical career. From that point on I wanted to see my work have a positive impact on the community in a very practical and measurable way.”
-1993 BTGCHIP alum Marjorie Dejoie-Brewer, MD
See the impact of BTG for yourself
History
Within five years of its founding, BTG CHIP was adopted by all Philadelphia academic health centers, forming the BTG Philadelphia Consortium (Drexel University, Temple University, Thomas Jefferson University, and the University of Pennsylvania). The model expanded to Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine and the University of Pittsburgh, and later to the Lehigh Valley and New Jersey.
Today, BTG continues to grow, with new institutions exploring participation through feasibility years. Over three decades, BTG has evolved into a dynamic network committed to health equity and community partnership.
Recognition
BTG’s work has been honored by the City of Philadelphia, the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the Senate of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the American College of Physicians, the Philadelphia County Medical Society, the American Red Cross, and numerous community-based and corporate entities.
