BRDG Bridge to Connect

Scale UP effort

BRDG: Investing in First-Generation STEM Talent Our programs are designed to function as a talent bridge between industry and motivated, high-potential students; we help students transition from a student mindset to successful employee mindset through our BRDG program tracks: BRDG Innovation Challenge: A competitive experience for select students to address contemporary real-world challenges involving the environment and sustainability, culminating in a “Pitch Day” event. Selected students are placed into interdisciplinary teams of seven to eight students from diverse majors and institutions. Each team is supported by three coaches. Through this experience, students build essential skills in teamwork, leadership, communication, project management, budgeting, product development, and accountability. BRDG Launchpad Program: The winning team from the Innovation Challenge is given the opportunity to further develop their product and prepare for an investor pitch. Guided by an experienced entrepreneur, the team builds the core components required to launch and operate a company, including equity distribution, identifying target customers, and outlining the key steps needed to secure funding. BRDG Leadership Development Program: This program prepares students for career and leadership success through targeted workshops on LinkedIn, résumé writing, career pathways, financial literacy, communication styles, and interview preparation. Students gain industry exposure by attending Professional Conferences and develop their leadership skills through one-on-one mentoring grounded in BRDG’s leadership pillars in decision-making, problem-solving, planning, risk-taking, grit, and adaptability. Key Outcomes: • Engages up to 100 college students per year from 12 universities across Southern California • Equips students to present research-backed solutions and prototypes to panels of engineers, executives, and investors • Cultivates a diverse pipeline of local talent; 33% of participants are female, 68% from underrepresented communities in STEM