Illinois is investing in bridge programs as a strategy to help more low-skilled and low-wage workers improve their skills, acquire postsecondary credentials, and move up to better jobs. This guidebook is built on early lessons of bridge programs in Illinois. It is designed as a resource for those who want to develop a new bridge program or strengthen or expand an existing one. This guidebook is intended for program directors, deans, curriculum developers, instructors, career development staff, and support services staff in adult education, career and technical education, developmental education, occupational training, employment, and social services who may be based at community colleges, community-based organizations, workforce agencies, social service organizations, employer associations, and even individual employers. Public and private funders, four-year colleges, advocacy organizations, elected officials, and others who work with low-skilled adults may also find it useful. This guidebook is comprehensive and concrete, including basics, strategies, examples, and worksheets. It is organized to help new programs to anticipate essential steps and to help those who need "just in time information" for redesigning a program or improving a particular program element. Recognizing that bridge programs take a long time to develop, get right, and sustain, this guidebook also includes tips for the continuous improvements required to get the right population, adequate funding, best outcomes, and to adapt to changing contexts to sustain the effort. [This handbook was published in 2012 and revised in February 2013. This handbook was prepared as part of the Illinois Shifting Gears Initiative with support from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.]