BRDG Bridge to Connect

We create a bridge to success by enhancing first-in-family college students’ opportunities in the technology field.

First-generation and under-represented college students often navigate higher education without a roadmap, professional network, or family guidance. While university education builds technical knowledge, it rarely provides the cross-disciplinary teamwork and industry exposure needed to transition smoothly into the workforce.

BRDG Bridge to Connect was created to close this gap. Unlike traditional academic programs that focus on theory within a single institution and discipline, BRDG brings together students from multiple universities and fields, including engineering, computer science, natural science, social science and business to work in multidisciplinary teams. Unlike traditional coursework, this experience mirrors a real workplace where students must integrate different perspectives, skills, and problem-solving approaches.

At the center of the program is the BRDG Innovation Challenge, where teams are given a $3,500 budget to design solutions to real challenges, often in sustainability. Unlike classroom projects, students operate in a simulated professional environment with deadlines, budgets, accountability, and cross-functional teamwork. Students also collaborate directly with industry coaches and subject matter experts who guide them through real-world problem solving.

This experience bridges the gap between education and industry, transforming students from learners into professionals ready to contribute, lead, and thrive in their careers.

The BRDG Innovation Challenge transforms the college experience by giving first-generation STEM students what they often lack: real-world experience, industry connections, and the confidence to succeed in the workforce. Through hands-on, multidisciplinary projects, students apply classroom knowledge to solve real problems while developing critical skills in communication, teamwork, leadership, problem-solving, project management, and decision-making.

With guidance from industry coaches and subject-matter experts, students learn to navigate deadlines, budgets, competing perspectives, and challenges; experiencing what it means to operate in a professional environment. The experience builds not only career readiness, but also confidence, resilience, accountability, and a sense of belonging.

Students leave with stronger resumes, practical examples to share in interviews, professional relationships, and a clearer understanding of their value. More than a competition, BRDG is a real-world workforce experience; a bridge that helps students move from classroom potential to professional opportunity, prepared to contribute, lead, and innovate.

Click here for direct quotes from our students:
https://www.bridge-to-connect.org/impact

The BRDG Innovation Challenge helps first-generation and underrepresented STEM students bridge the gap between college and career by connecting them with industry professionals, mentors, and real-world career guidance. Students build professional networks while developing essential workplace skills: communication, teamwork, relationship-building, presentation, and navigating professional expectations.

In 2026, 56 students are participating across eight Innovation Challenge teams, with growing demand from students and universities. BRDG’s goal is to increase participation by at least 30% annually while preserving the program’s quality and personal connection.

Investment in this program will build the infrastructure needed for sustainable growth, strengthening program operations, student recruitment, university and industry partnerships, coach and volunteer support, training resources, and project budgets.

Scaling the Innovation Challenge will expand access to opportunity and strengthen the STEM talent pipeline. Most importantly, BRDG will ensure that growth does not come at the expense of mentorship, community, or hands-on experience; helping more students enter the workforce confident, connected, and career-ready.

BRDG will consider applications from students enrolled as STEM majors in any of the Orange County colleges and universities.

Why I Founded BRDG

My “aha” moment came when I learned that first-generation engineering students can receive job offers up to $20,000 less than peers who enter the workforce with family and professional networks. I couldn’t stop thinking about what that difference means; not just in a first paycheck, but over a lifetime.

I founded BRDG because I believe no student’s future should be limited by who their family knows. First-generation STEM students are talented, determined, and full of promise. What they often lack is access: access to mentors, professional networks, career guidance, and opportunities to see themselves as professionals.

BRDG is a volunteer-powered community of 93 professionals who walk alongside these students through mentorship, professional development, financial support, internships, and our Innovation Challenge.

I have seen students begin by wondering, “Do I belong?” and finish knowing, “I have something valuable to contribute.”

They don’t need us to lower the bar. They need us to open the door.

It truly takes a village.
I invite you to be part of ours.

Caecilia Gotama, P.E.
Founder and CEO

I’m honored to welcome you to our 2026 BRDG Igniting Potential Fundraising campaign as the new Chair of the BRDG Board of Directors, intent on continuing the leadership adeptly exercised by my predecessor, Bill Cousins.

Firstly, while we are steadfast in keeping BRDG’s focus on 1st generation college students who are interested in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math at the center of all we do, we recognize that it is our donors and volunteers who make it possible for BRDG to fulfill our mission to enhance these first-in-family students' college experiences and career success. So, I thank you sincerely and deeply for your past and continued support!

Being a first-in-family college student in STEM who aspires to a career in these fields – either through a corporate role or an entrepreneurial venture – demands expertise, passion and extraordinary grit. All of us at BRDG work to provide an environment and experiences that offer equal measures of wisdom, guidance, and support.

Today, BRDG operates three programs tailored to supporting 1st-gen college students in STEM fields: our BRDG Professional Mentorship Program, a design-focused team competition known as the BRDG Innovation Challenge, and the BRDG Launchpad, a new initiative which offers qualifying teams the opportunity to advance their Innovation Challenge submission toward launching a viable start-up venture.

I’m also excited about our established and emerging partnerships, including with the 2026 SoCal TechCon conference in San Diego and FMS2026 in Santa Clara to expand awareness of BRDG and BRDG participants, and to develop additional relationships that will open up future opportunities for internships, corporate sponsorships, job placement, mentors and speakers.

Please explore all our media channels to stay updated on the impact your engagement and contributions make possible at BRDG.

Once again, I thank you for your advocacy and considered support; together, we will continue to develop our country’s next generation of STEM leaders.

John Mooney, PhD
Chair, BRDG Board of Directors