Q: What is BRDG bridge-to-connect?

A: BRDG is a non-profit organization dedicated to the success of first-generation college students majoring in engineering and computer science. We aim to diversify the population of potential employees and future leaders who are not only well-rounded and knowledgeable in their technical skills but also in possession of leadership and interpersonal skills, and socially aware.

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THE APPLICATION PROCESS​

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Q: What is the program about?

A: Students must be:

         - A first-generation college student

         - Majoring in engineering or computer science

         - Junior Standing - Graduating with a Bachelor's degree in the year 2026 from a four-year university

         - Not involved in any other mentoring or paid program

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B. Benefits:

• Selected students will be given a stipend at $240 per week, up to 40 weeks. Stipend in Spring 2025 semester is guaranteed. Stipend beyond Spring semester will be based on performance, participation and grit. 

• During the program, selected students will be:

  • given some technical projects as available to illustrate a working team

  • will be paired with a mentor with professional experience

  • will be exposed to social, cultural and professional issues discussions/workshops

  • will be assisted in finding a paid 10-week summer internship in his/her field/major

 

C. Responsibilities:

• Meet with the assigned mentor once a week

• Actively participate in bi-weekly workshops, which may include assigned research and readings

• Actively participate in project meetings, scheduled as required

• Perform skill enhancement activities as require

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Note: Students receiving financial aid are strongly encouraged to apply    

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Q: What is a first-generation college student?

A: You are a first-generation college student if you and your siblings are the first to attend college and receive a degree. If either of your parents has a degree (an associate degree or a bachelor's degree), you are not considered a first-generation college student.

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Q: What is the timeline for this Application Process?

A:

Monday, August 19, 2024                  Application open

 

Monday, November 4, 2024           Application Due at 5:00 pm          

                                                             

Week of December 2, 2024           Notification if selected for interview

 

December 9 – 20, 2024                  Interview weeks via Zoom

 

Before December 31, 2024            Notification if selected 

 

January 18, 2025                             Must attend - Program Starts - Onboarding workshop

                                                          Details to follow after you are selected

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Q: Does it matter what university I attend?

A: No

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Q: Is this program only for girls?

A: No, gender is not a consideration.

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Q: Does BRDG accept international students?

A: Regrettably, BRDG is not accepting international students at this time.

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Q: When will applications open again?

A: The next application cycle will be opened in August 2024 for 2025 Cohorts. 

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Q: If I do not have three reference letters, can I only submit one or two?

A: No, BRDG requires three reference letters in your application submission.

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Q: Will I be able to be in the program while working?

A: For the $240 stipend, BRDG asks that BRDG Ambassadors in Training commit 12 hours per week to BRDG program. Your job commitments during the duration of the program must allow the 12 hours per week dedicated time for your improvements. We do provide a generous stipend for your Spring semester while, together (BRDG team and you) will work hard to position you for a paid technical internship in Summer 2025. The goal is for you to also acquire a paid internship or a part-time job during the fall of 2024 to further strengthen your technical resume.

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Q: How many hours a week can I expect to be doing work for BRDG projects?

A: Commitment hours vary on a week-to-week basis. As part of your 12 hours per week, BRDG asks that you dedicate approximately 6 hours each week working on team projects and another 6 hours  in meetings and your self improvements.

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Q: When can I expect to be notified if I am selected to be in the program?

A: Before December 31, 2024

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Q: When does the program start?

A: The 2025 program starts in January 2025.

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Q: When is the deadline for the application?

A: Monday, November 4 at 5 pm. Late submissions will not be accepted! 

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Q: Can graduate students apply?

A: No, BRDG only accepts undergraduate students graduating in 2026.

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Q: Will my application be considered if my GPA is under 3.0?

A: Yes, your application will still be considered for acceptance.

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WITHIN THE ORGANIZATION​

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Q: Am I guaranteed a mentor in the career I wish to pursue?

A: No, BRDG is not a formal mentorship program that teaches one to succeed in a technical field. We aim to provide the knowledge and skillset you need to become a leader in the professional world.

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Q: What types of social, cultural, and professional issues/discussions/ workshops will there be?

A: The workshops and discussions are tailored towards the students, their interests, and the career they are pursuing.

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Q: What technical projects are available within BRDG?

A: Technical projects available to students depend on what needs attention. Example project includes website management, social media assistance, database architecture, subject research, and article writing.

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Q: May I speak to one of your current Ambassadors in Training to learn about their experience?

A: Yes, please reach out through the Ambassador in Trainings' email, found on the team page.

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Q: Where will meetings be located?
A: Meeting locations depend on the parties involved and what is most convenient. Shall there be another pandemic, most meetings will be virtual.

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Q: How will I be getting paid? How frequently?

A: You will be receiving a check in the mail every two weeks. Stipends are guaranteed throughout the Spring 2023 Semester. You will be expected to have paid Summer and Fall internship. Stipend beyond Spring 2024 can be available upon Board review and approval. 

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Q: Does BRDG guarantee their ambassadors an internship?

A: No, BRDG will only assist our ambassadors to obtain their paid Summer and Fall internships. Whether or not the student is successful depends on his or her personal efforts towards their future.

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