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At BRDG, we believe every generation holds a unique gift to give.
BRDG bridge-to-connect launched in Southern California in 2018 as part of the vision of its founder and CEO, Caecilia Gotama, to “pay it forward” and help first-in-their family STEM college students launch successful careers in the technology field.
The programs of BRDG provide a talent bridge between industry and motivated, high-potential students who will become leaders in our country’s efforts to maintain a superior technical advantage in the world; first-gen STEM students have the courage and grit to handle challenges and BRDG helps advance their interpersonal and problem-solving skills to encourage success.
BRDG bridge-to-connect is a registered 501(C)(3) organization.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES WITH BRDG’S INNOVATION CHALLENGE
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Become a Coach
Weekly commitment (approx.. 4 hrs.) mid-May through mid-October
As a BRDG Coach, you will work as part of small team to mentor student teams through the Innovation Challenge project competition and provide guidance, encouragement, and accountability. Coaches help students overcome project challenges, navigate interpersonal dynamics, enhance communication skills, and discover their own strengths in taking meaningful steps toward leadership and entrepreneurship while creating a network with professionals from diverse industries.
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Become a Subject Matter Expert (SME)
Intermittent virtual consultation (approx. 1 hr.) to help teams on their project, July - September
As an SME, you will support student teams and share your expertise to guide them through the planning and design of their Innovation Challenge projects. Each team receives one hour of virtual consultation, and you may work with several teams with full flexibility to schedule meetings at your convenience. Alongside coaches, you will help shape student projects while fostering their growth into confident leaders.
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Become a Judge
End of July timeframe (approx. 6 hrs.) and “Pitch Day” on Friday, Oct. 9, 2026 (8 hrs.)
As a judge you will provide constructive feedback on student project development during the mid-phase review and participate in an in-person “Pitch Day,” when students present their Innovation Challenge projects. Alongside a panel of nine judges from diverse industries, you will help determine which teams advance to receive further coaching and earn the opportunity to pitch their invention to a group of investors.
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Serve as a Talent Recruiter
One full-day commitment on “Pitch Day” set for Friday, Oct. 9, 2026.
Join us at the Innovation Challenge “Pitch Day” on Friday, October 9, to engage with high-performing, motivated students who have participated in this months’ long competition and are well prepared to enter the workforce through internships or other potential roles. BRDG program participants are the kind of employees your organization needs!
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OUR IMPACT
BRDG engages 100+ students each year from 12 to 15 universities advancing their personal and professional development with a typical population profile composed of over 60% first-generation college students, 50% Pell Grant eligible and 33% female in STEM.
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2021 Pew Research shows that the median household income for households headed by a first-generation college graduate ($99,600) is substantially lower than the income for households headed by a second-generation graduate ($135,800).
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BRDG wrap-around, immersive curricula leverages human expertise and interaction as well as leading-edge technology, to develop future leaders across STEM fields.
