Here’s What They Said
Celebrating the Success of Our Graduating Class of 2024: A Year of Growth, Achievement, and Impact
As we reflect on the journey of the Class of 2024, we are filled with immense pride and joy at how far our students have come. This year has been marked by significant achievements, personal growth, and countless success stories, all of which highlight the profound impact of our initiatives. Our students have excelled academically, explored new passions, and built strong, supportive communities.
Financial Sponsorship
Financial support has played a crucial role in our students' success. Alexis, attending UC Riverside, noted, "The scholarship money really helped me get school supplies and additional supplies to support my passions in both music and artistic endeavors." Ania, who will be joining Stanford University, emphasized the impact of financial aid on her studies: "Receiving the sponsorship money aided me with my studies as I was able to purchase a computer, Wi-Fi, and school supplies. These supplies helped me apply to college and continue my studies." This support has enabled students to focus on their academic and personal growth without the burden of financial stress. For a deeper dive into the impact of financial sponsorship, check out our article "Here's What They Said: Financial Sponsorship."
SAT/ACT Prep and College Tours
Our SAT/ACT prep program has been instrumental in helping students achieve their academic goals. Vy, heading to Northwestern University, shared, "I appreciate that beyond my sponsorship money, I have many free opportunities from A Bridge for Kids. I had the opportunity to receive free SAT prep classes and attend athletic events, like rock climbing with Arete. I was able to grow my social, athletic, and academic skills." The support in preparing for these crucial exams has empowered students to reach their full potential and secure placements in prestigious universities. To learn more about the impact of our SAT/ACT prep program, read “Here's What They Said: SAT/ACT Prep.” Ava, heading to UC Berkeley, mentioned the benefits of our college tours, saying: "I used my sponsorship to purchase lacrosse cleats, AP exams, and AP prep books, but I liked the tours the most. I had the opportunity to explore new places and meet new people. Without these tours, I would have stayed in my shell and not reached beyond." For more insights, read our article "Here's What They Said: College Tours."
Testimonials from Some of Our Graduates
Here are more testimonials from our accomplished graduates, showcasing their diverse experiences and successes:
Jessica (UCSD): "The most helpful part of my A Bridge for Kids Sponsorship was the relief of some financial hardship. I was able to order new uniform clothes through my sponsorship which made it easier to focus on my academics. I was also able to attend the health and wellness events which gave me the opportunity to have new experiences and meet new people."
Bao (University of California - San Diego): "Without the financial support, I would not be where I am today. This sponsorship allowed me to purchase things that I would not be able to afford. This ranges from laptop, clothing, shoes, and other necessities. This sponsorship also provided me with long-term friendships and connections through events like college trips, hockey games, the Grand Canyon trip, rock climbing, and much more."
Kamila (United States Naval Academy): "The most helpful part of my A Bridge for Kids Sponsorship was all the financial support and college essay guidance I received. I feel that these resources really helped set my college applications apart from the rest."
Sophia (Texas Christian University): "Having a support system that allowed me to explore my academic and athletic endeavors, especially helping cover fees of AP exams and SATs that have helped immensely in the college admissions process."
Kimmy (Yale University): "The most helpful part of my A Bridge for Kids sponsorships was having some of my financial burdens relieved with the sponsorship funds. I did not want to burden my mother by asking for money to pay for school essentials, so it was extremely helpful to have a source of funds that I could use to buy my graphing calculator, headphones, school supplies, etc."
Chizitere (University of Southern California): "I owe a great deal of gratitude to A Bridge for Kids for giving me the chance to explore new things beyond my community. It has helped me realize that regardless of my background, I deserve to experience good things in life. It's heartwarming to have such support, and I'm grateful for it."
These testimonials are just a glimpse into the incredible journeys of our students. They reflect the dedication, resilience, and ambition that define the Class of 2024.
Looking Ahead
As we celebrate the achievements of our graduates, we are also excited about the future. The success stories of this year are a testament to the effectiveness of our programs and the potential of our students. We look forward to continuing to support and empower the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and change-makers.
For more inspiring stories and insights into our initiatives, explore the full "Here's What They Said" series. Together, we have made a significant impact, and together, we will continue to build a brighter future for all our students.
Testimonials
Ariana: I was able to connect with my sponsor and have 1-on-1 support for college guidance. (CSU San Marcos)
Alexis: The scholarship money really helped me get school supplies and additional supplies to support my passions in both music and artistic endeavors. (UC Riverside)
Heaven: Being able to make community with the students but also creating an amazing bond with my mentor. The people I’ve met have allowed me to prosper and grow as an individual and reach my goals. (Harvard University)
Jessica: The most helpful part of my A Bridge for Kids Sponsorship was the relief of some financial hardship. I was able to order new uniform clothes through my sponsorship which made it easier to focus on my academics. I was also able to attend the health and wellness events which gave me the opportunity to have new experiences and meet new people. (UCSD)
Bao: Without the financial support, I would not be where I am today. This sponsorship allowed me to purchase things that I would not be able to afford. This ranges from laptop, clothing, shoes, and other necessities. This sponsorship also provided me with long-term friendships and connections through events like college trips, hockey games, the Grand Canyon trip, rock climbing, and much more. (University of California - San Diego)
Ania: Receiving the sponsorship money aided me with my studies as I was able to purchase a computer, Wi-Fi, and school supplies. These supplies helped me apply to college and continue my studies. (Stanford University)
Vanessa: The most helpful aspect of my A Bridge for Kids scholarship was utilizing my first-year fund to purchase my laptop. Having this laptop has been a great help while applying for university and scholarships and staying on top of my school work. My second-year scholarship helped me pay for the opportunity to perform in an All-American Cheerleading Parade in London. This allowed me to express my love for cheerleading further, and while doing so, I could represent my school and community. The scholarship that my sponsor has provided, May, is something I will always remember because I have achieved things I never thought I would be able to, and I would recommend it to all high school students to apply. (UC Santa Barbara)
Kamila: The most helpful part of my A Bridge for Kids Sponsorship was all the financial support and college essay guidance I received. I feel that these resources really helped set my college applications apart from the rest. (United States Naval Academy)
Chau: Being able to meet my full potential without financial hardships and meeting wonderful individuals. (University of California: San Diego)
Ava: I used my sponsorship to purchase lacrosse cleats, AP exams, and AP prep books, but I liked the tours the most. I had the opportunity to explore new places and meet new people. Without these tours, I would have stayed in my shell and not reached beyond. Thank you for everything you've given me. (UC Berkeley)
Sophia: Having a support system that allowed me to explore my academic and athletic endeavors, especially helping cover fees of AP exams and SATs that have helped immensely in the college admissions process. (Texas Christian University)
Kimmy: The most helpful part of my A Bridge for Kids sponsorships was having some of my financial burdens relieved with the sponsorship funds. I did not want to burden my mother by asking for money to pay for school essentials, so it was extremely helpful to have a source of funds that I could use to buy my graphing calculator, headphones, school supplies, etc. (Yale University)
Chizitere: I owe a great deal of gratitude to A Bridge for Kids for giving me the chance to explore new things beyond my community. It has helped me realize that regardless of my background, I deserve to experience good things in life. It's heartwarming to have such support, and I'm grateful for it. (University of Southern California)
Vy: The support system and welcoming family I was invited to. (UCLA)
Vy: I appreciate that beyond my sponsorship money, I have many free opportunities from A Bridge for Kids. I had the opportunity to receive free SAT prep classes and attend athletic events, like rock climbing with Arete. I was able to grow my social, athletic, and academic skills. (Northwestern University)
Shamiah: I am filled with nothing but gratitude for my A Bridge for Kids Sponsorship because the 1,000 dollars I received has allowed me to buy