Connecting Across the Educational Pipeline
Align | Reflect | Connect

PsychBridge Kickoff is cancelled for February

PsychBridge brings psychology educators together across the full educational pipeline—from high schools to universities—in ways that rarely happen elsewhere. Through regional, interactive events, we transform casual “hallway chats” into the core experience, creating opportunities for meaningful exchanges that bridge institutional boundaries. By grounding these connections locally, PsychBridge makes ongoing, in-person collaboration natural and sustainable.

The Challenges

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Excellent teaching and learning often stay siloed within classrooms or institutions.

High school teachers develop daily engagement strategies for diverse learners; university researchers generate cutting-edge insights. Yet these breakthroughs rarely cross institutional boundaries.

Students, despite being the ultimate measure of success, are seldom included in shaping pedagogy.

Community-based Cross Level Collaboration

PsychBridge is a new model creating opportunity for community-based cross-level collaboration. At its heart are small interactive events with key components:

Valuing ideas over egos, inviting all participants to share expertise
Engaging interactive sessions
Student-driven topics ensuring relevance

The Launch

In February 2026, The Peddie School will host the PsychBridge Kickoff, gathering 35–45 local Psychology educators- researchers, graduate students, and high school teachers, connecting about topics derived from current and former students.

The kickoff event establishes the PsychBridge Global model. From advance work and post-event feedback, the Development Team plans to produce a detailed toolkit for replication in other regions.

Preliminary funding has already been secured from the American Psychological Foundation, with strong early interest from other professional organizations.

Backed by grant funds and institutional partnerships, PsychBridge Global is positioned as a scalable innovation.

I am a...

High School Teacher

Gain: Access to cutting edge research and researchers with potential for guest lectures and local lab tours (virtual or in person) while acquiring professional development hours.
Contribute: Classroom expertise that makes science more engaging and relevant
Connect: With nearby educators, researchers, and students who share a passion for psychology.

Graduate Student or Post-Doctoral Researcher

Gain: Opportunities to translate your research for a broader audience, avenue for guest lectures, potential authorship on article(s) for teaching and learning journals, community outreach and local engagement
Contribute: Share your research and your insight into the student experiences
Connect: Expand your professional network outside your institution

College/University Faculty

Gain: Deepen your understanding of how psychology is applied locally, strengthen student and team engagement, and connect with high school teachers for outreach and pipeline opportunities.
Contribute: Research insights, lab tours/research team process, expertise to support publications emerging from the event.
Connect: With nearby psychology faculty, high school teachers and graduate students to strengthen community partnerships.

I’ve spent my career bridging research, practice, and policy, and I’ve seen firsthand how powerful it is when people across levels finally sit at the same table. PsychBridge reflects that spirit by fostering meaningful connection and shared insight among educators and students. It’s an initiative that strengthens our field and embodies the kind of collaborative learning culture I deeply believe in.

Amber Hewitt
Counseling Psychologist & Racial Equity Practitioner

Connecting Across the Educational Pipeline Align | Reflect | Connect