BRDG Bridge to Connect

Scale UP effort

BRDG: Investing in First-Generation STEM Talent 1. BRDG Mentoring Program; An 18-Month Wraparound Program BRDG recruits college juniors into an immersive, 18-month program designed to develop well-rounded, workforce-ready professionals. The program combines financial support with life-changing personal and professional development. Paid-to-Learn Instead of spending hours in low-wage jobs, BRDG students are paid to learn skills that directly impact their future success. While technically a “stipend,” the $10,000 annual investment per student empowers participants to focus on career development. They gain real-world readiness while employers benefit from new hires who require less ramp-up time and perform at the level of their peers from legacy backgrounds. Two Core Verticals: Individual Support + Skills Training The Fellowship provides wraparound support through two integrated components: One-on-One Mentorship Empathetic, committed volunteers are matched with students for yearlong mentorships. These relationships provide consistent, personalized guidance, building trust while helping students navigate both career preparation and life challenges. Skill-Building with Expert Coaches Volunteers with deep professional experience also serve as Subject Matter Expert (SME) Coaches. They lead training sessions and workshops to equip students with critical career and life skills. Key Focus Areas Include: Career Readiness: Resume building, elevator pitches, mock interviews, personal branding, and networking Workplace Performance: Time and project management, critical thinking, and business ethics Personal Growth: Financial literacy and leadership development This dual approach ensures that BRDG students develop the confidence, skills, and mindset to thrive in their first professional roles. Hear directly from our students: Watch on YouTube 2. BRDG Innovation Challenge – A Multi-Disciplinary Student Competition In this capstone program, BRDG students participate in a team-based technical competition addressing real-world environmental sustainability issues. Students from diverse STEM majors work collaboratively to analyze problems, develop solutions, and pitch their ideas to a panel of judges—professionals from industry and academia. Student Outcomes Include: Entrepreneurial Thinking Effective Communication Hands-on, Practical Experience Leadership Skills Initiative and Professional Confidence Through this challenge, students apply what they’ve learned in a dynamic, high-stakes environment that mirrors the complexity and collaboration of today’s workforce.