Local Foundations Help Support Growth in Programs

On behalf of all the volunteers, the Board of Directors, and many students we support at A Bridge for Kids, I want to personally thank the The Rodeki Foundation, The Water-Walking Foundation, The Southern California Youth Baseball Foundation, The Charles and Ruth Billingsley Foundation and Jay and Cathie Wegerzyn of La Jolla for their generous support of A Bridge for Kids.  Over the past year these Foundations and individuals have contributed over $75,000 in grants which has allowed us to grow our existing programs that are aimed at giving a "hand up" to low income teens in need of financial assistance.   It is because of their generosity and the donations of many other similar minded individuals that we have been able to substantially expand our tutoring, SAT/ACT Preparatory and Campus Tour Programs.  Over the past year A Bridge for Kids has given students across San Diego the tools necessary to improve their grades, score better on standardized tests and visit almost 30 schools on both coasts.   A special thanks to everyone that has supported us over this wonderful period of growth.Michael NanceFounderA Bridge for Kids “I’ve always felt like the east coast would be a fantastic place to go to college; but the closer I got to applying to schools, the more apprehensive I felt about going so far away.  However, as soon as we landed in Washington, DC, I knew that I belonged there.  I absolutely loved the urban campuses of both American and George Washington University!” – Hunter, Escondido Charter HS- George Washington University Class of 2019 “It’s been my long time dream to go to college in the east coast, especially the Ivies. I thought I knew everything about the admissions process, yet I had never visited a campus. By visiting 6 in one week, I was able to get a feel for where I wanted to be and how to get there. As a result, my college prospects have changed dramatically and I feel even more ready for the application season. As for the trip itself, it was no leisurely walk in the park, although there were a great many beautiful parks. It was a full schedule with no room for lagging, which allowed us to focus entirely on the campus tours and info sessions. This part I especially appreciated because I don’t like wasting time during an opportunity like this one.” – Miranda, Escondido Charter HS- Princeton University Class of 2019“The Revolution Prep Course was the best thing I did to prepare for the SAT. The practice and tutoring I received was so helpful that I am 100% confident I would not have scored as high as I did (2080 on the SAT and a 32 on the ACT) without taking it. I am now looking to apply to more prestigious schools than I was before and am confident that I can achieve more than I thought I was capable of.” Jenna, Escondido Charter High School, Class of 2016“Growing up with the adversities of being a foster child I would have settled for any school that gave me the best financial aid package. Coming on this trip has really allowed me to see the difference between schools.  If it wasn’t for the trip provided by A Bridge for Kids, I would have settled (for something closer to home)…without the consideration of these other amazing schools.-“ Salvador, The Preuss School and SDSU Class of 2018“I had such an amazing time on our trip to the east coast. Not only did we visit colleges, we also visited major sites like the White House. I’m really grateful to A Bridge For Kids, not only because they made possible what would have been impossible, to actually visit the colleges I was looking at, but because they also made it an unforgettable experience where I met great new people who were in a similar situation to me. Yet again, ABFK has made my life a bit easier and more enriched, and for that, I am extremely grateful!”- Ashley, Mira Mesa HS- NYU Class of 2019"A Bridge for Kids has had a life changing impact on me.  If my life were to be written into a book, ABFK would have it's own chapter with you all being heroes." - Teen, Class of 2014 Flying across the country to look at prospective schools, definitely changed my outlook on colleges I was considering and ones that I had not shown a deep interest in before. In all honesty, going to the information sessions and taking a tour from a college student, provides more information on all the schools have to offer. Not only did the experience influence my perspectives, but it also gave insight on the admission process and what colleges are really looking for: a student that fits the college. After hearing about each college and exploring their campuses, I've decided to apply to Yale for early admissions and Princeton and Penn for regular decision. Thank you again for this wonderful opportunity!  Iris Hinh, West Hills High School- Class of 2016 

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