Richard Vu Scholarship Announcement
A Bridge for Kids is honored to announce the renaming of our College Scholarship to "The A Bridge For Kids Richard Vu Scholarship.” This heartfelt decision serves as a lasting tribute to the extraordinary impact left by Richard who tragically passed away last month.
Richard’s incredible journey with A Bridge for Kids embodied resilience, tenacity, and an unwavering dedication to academic excellence, athletic pursuits, and personal growth. His story touched the hearts of all who crossed paths with him, encapsulating the very essence of A Bridge for Kids’ core values and mission. Through his unwavering commitment and indefatigable spirit, Richard not only transformed his own life but also became a beacon of hope for numerous low-income, high-achieving teenagers striving to rise above adversity and fulfill their potential.
Recalling a Christmas memory from years past, Michael Nance, A Bridge for Kids founder, fondly remembered when Richard went out of his way to bring joy to the Nance family, despite the hour-long commute on public transportation from his home in City Heights and the two-mile walk to Mr. Nance’s home in La Jolla. Facing financial hardships, Richard and his mother carefully budgeted to surprise the Nances with heartfelt Christmas gifs for everyone in the family, portraying Richard’s innate selflessness and generosity.
Richard’s academic excellence led him to Swarthmore on a full scholarship, where he excelled academically and socially. Driven by a deep desire to pay it forward, upon graduation, Richard reached out to A Bridge for Kids, to explore ways of giving back. Soon after, Richard became a mentor to Billy, a first-generation student from Vietnam, inspiring and guiding him along his journey.
Billy shared “I was so fortunate to have Richard sponsor me through the A Bridge for Kids program. With all the support he has given me, Richard was not just my mentor; he is my family as well. He has encouraged me to stick to my goal and has guided me throughout high school giving me tons of support. For example, with his help, I was honored to serve as the Logistics officer in the SDUSD JROTC Joint Brigade last year. I was responsible for everything involving supplies and uniforms for all 13 JROTC units in the district and the competitions that took place throughout the school year. Richard pushed me to exceed and expand my limits until I reached my full potential”.
The renaming of the Sponsorship Program in Richard’s honor stands as a poignant recognition of his enduring influence and legacy within A Bridge for Kids. The Richard Vu Scholarship reflects our steadfast commitment to empowering students like Richard, equipping them with the tools, support, and opportunities needed to chase their dreams and construct a brighter future.
The Richard Vu Scholarship will continue A Bridge for Kids’ mission of bridging the opportunity gap for underprivileged students, offering financial aid, mentorship, and educational resources to foster their academic and personal development as they navigate the complexities of college life. Through this scholarship, A Bridge for Kids reaffirms its dedication to nurturing a community where every young person can flourish, regardless of their socioeconomic background.
As A Bridge for Kids embarks on this new chapter with our scholarship program, we will continue to focus on empowering students, transforming lives, and shaping a brighter future for the generations to come. Richard’s enduring spirit will forever guide and inspire the work of A Bridge for Kids as we strive to make a lasting impact on the lives of young individuals across San Diego.
If you would like to make a donation in remembrance of Richard or to contribute to the new A Bridge for Kids Richard Vu Scholarship you can do so through this link.