"I am thankful for the financial support A Bridge for Kids has given me, but I am most thankful for the connection I received with my mentor. She is an incredible person who goes out of her extremely busy days to teach me life lessons and encourage me to pursue my dreams."
- Thang Ho"I have been in the A Bridge for Kids family for 8 years now and could have never imagined all of the support I would have received. I'm incredibly grateful, not only for the monetary support like receiving a laptop for school, going on college trips, and getting college test prep, but also for A Bridge for Kids believing in my ability and for seeing my potential even as a young girl."
- Lizbeth Guzman" I am thankful to A Bridge for Kids for helping me financially during this pandemic. I was able to grow my love for the STEM field because I now have the ability to code and continue to grow my skills as an engineer thanks to the computer I was funded. I was able to expand my love to the Writing Club I helped co-found alongside my friend. The STEM field is a long and unforgiving one and thanks to A Bridge for Kids I now have the upper hand I need in order to grow as a future Software Programmer!"
- Shuayb Ahmed"My experience with A Bridge for Kids has gone above and beyond what I expected. Not only did they support me financially throughout my time, but they connected me to my sponsor who still plays a significant role in my life. The guidance and support I've gotten from her has given me the confidence to pursue higher education, and has inspired me to even get my PhD. I am forever grateful for everything that ABFK has done for me."
- Rose Hawaree"I am thankful for A Bridge for Kids giving me the helping hand that I searched for. I was worried I wouldn’t have any support throughout my years in high school, but ABFK came to the rescue and now I’m on the right track to success!"
- Alicia Walton, Hoover High School - Class of 2021"Aside from the tremendous financial help, ABFK has fueled and inspired me to pursue a career in education to give back to low income communities. With financial help and mentorship, I gained the confidence to make commitments towards my education to close the societal belief that low-income students cannot pursue a higher education."
- Hugh Tran"Out of all the benefits that A Bridge for Kids has granted me, I will always be thankful for my family at A Bridge for Kids. I know that my years in high school wouldn't have been the same if it wasn't for the amazing people in this wonderful program that acted as both my guardian and my friend. Thank you!"
- Khanh Nguyen"A Bridge for Kids has impacted my overall life in a positive way. Not only has It provided me with an amazing mentor who cares for me as well as encourages me to pursue my passions, but also financially supported me and helped me get one step closer to college."
- Sandra Sanchez"A Bridge for Kids allowed me to make my dreams bigger by supporting me emotionally with a mentor who cared about my passions and aspirations. As well as financially, so that I could participate in after school activities and programs that I loved."
- Lisette Diaz"ABFK is my second family, and I am forever grateful because they provided a foundation of endless support and love for me as I struggled to find my way throughout high school and college. As I reflect on my life and the people I am grateful for, ABFK comes immediately to mind as they were there during my hardest of times and also there to rejoice in my successes. I love this organization and I cannot say it enough. Very thankful ❤️"
- Brianna Diaz"I couldn’t help my tears when I discovered the A Bridge For Kids organization who found me a sponsor that was willing to contribute to my future out of their expenses and provide me with the support I needed. "
- Alicia Walton, Hoover High School - Class of 2021"Being a part of A Bridge For Kids has provided me with various opportunities and aid throughout high school. Without access to much food and school supplies, it was taking a toll on my mental health and it was difficult to study and focus in my AP classes. Also, as an athlete, ABFK helped continue my passion of swimming throughout high school by helping me access equipment and gear."
- Lania Hassan, West Hills High School Class of 2020“I was embarrassed to ask my parents for a pair of running shoes because I knew that they could not afford them. I don’t know what I would have done without A Bridge for Kids and my most generous and wonderful Sponsor!”
- Angel, Castle Park High School Class of 2015, UC Berkeley Class of 2019"A Bridge for Kids helped me believe in myself and connected me with wonderful people like kids around my age. I have grown to be determined and help people with financial problems and may feel lost without a purpose like I once felt. Essentially Bridge for Kids set a role model for me (my mentor.) I strive to be as helpful and empathic as her. Thanks to Bridge for Kids, I have grown to be determined and help kids like my peers, and anybody who needs help."
- Leonardo Maya-Ramos"Something I appreciate most about A Bridge for Kids are the fond memories that I have gained and will remember for years to come, through the various opportunities and events that were provided. Though I have already graduated high school, I'm proud to still be part of the A Bridge for Kids community."
- Jason Nguyen"I am extremely thankful for all the opportunities A Bridge for Kids has provided for me, to not only further my education but my passions as well. They have found me an amazing, kind-hearted mentor who has assisted me through my high school journey on the path to success. I will be forever grateful for their benevolence and constant support! "
- Christine Bach"I am extremely grateful for having discovered A Bridge for Kids. Not only has the program provided me with an inspiring and supporting mentor but the hope that, regardless of our background or financial situation, we all have the potential to succeed and make a mark on the world. I truly would not be the person I am today without the influence of this outstanding program."
- Lina Vo"One of the most amazing things that bridge for kids had provided me is a sponsor, I talk to my sponsor a lot and when you get chosen a sponsor that sponsor will talk to you whenever you want to talk to him or her, I am very grateful for the bridge for kids giving me the sponsor they provided me with. ABFK has provided a lot of financial support for me such as helping with soccer gear, helping me with school supplies, and also helping me with buying test prep books, they have also helped me pay for my UC application. ABFK has helped through my ups and downs and I thank them for that."
- Starlette Serrano"A Bridge for Kids has been without a doubt one of the biggest blessings in my life, ABFK has provided me with the sweetest sponsors, I am the most thankful for enlightening me with the desire to strive for better in my career to achieve a double major and inspired me to one day give back to this amazing program that once provided me with the needs to continue to succeed in my school and do the same for someone else 🙂 "
- Hazel Vidro"I am thankful that A Bridge for Kids gave me the opportunity to ensure that my big dreams were not diminished by my small wallet. Thanks to my ABFK sponsorship, I overcame financial barriers with the means to pay my college enrollment fee and buy a working laptop suitable for my educational and professional aspirations. In addition, my mentor-mentee relationship supported me through my college applications and even abolished my self-doubts - all of which contributed to this first-generation college student’s next steps towards success."
- Arianna Bermudez"A Bridge for Kids has helped me have a better virtual learning experience. With the laptop that I was able to obtain through A Bridge for Kids, I am able to go on zoom and work for hours with no issues. I'm immensely grateful to be able to have this privilege as many students struggle daily with their electronics. On top of school, I am able to create media like films and graphic designs which prepares me for my major in college."
- Melissa Ruiz"Your support assists our students in developing the confidence and the skills needed to succeed in life after high school. Your time and dedication to conceiving, developing and running A Bridge for Kids is a model for others in the community."
- Scott Barton, Principal/Director The Preuss School UCSD"When I was in high school, I did not expect to be where I am now. In terms of ABFK, I saw my sponsor as a huge blessing because she was providing me (and effectively my family) with the financial assistance we could not find elsewhere. I didn't realize at the time that ABFK was not only a means for financial support but also a place for students to build life-long friendships. I am now in my first year of my PhD program, and I have kept in contact with my sponsor for over 6 years now. We email each other frequently, and I have gone to her with so many of the problems I have faced, whether they were related to school or my personal life. I am so thankful ABFK not only prepared me for higher education but also gave me a wonderful friend and mentor whom I will cherish for many years to come."
- Kimberly Uhls"It's not easy to live in a society filled with privileged kids, expensive stores, and a school that asks for money for literally everything as a low income teen. It was with the help of an incredible non-profit organization, A Bridge For Kids, that has faded my worries of how I'm going to afford the things I need."
- Eric Tran, The Preuss School Class of 2019, Princeton University Class of 2023"A Bridge for Kids provided me with incredible opportunities to expand my network and also meet other students who are passionate about creating change in their communities. My mentor and sponsor saw something in my potential that others didn't, and I am so grateful to have gotten to connect with her and know her before she passed away. I apply this ABFK's mission to my own personal and professional virtues, and I hope to be able to share the blessings that I have received from my high school years to future students who may be in similar positions."
- Joey Uy"A Bridge for Kids gave me more than I could ever expect. Since my freshman year, A Bridge for Kids was the first scholarship I ever received. Not only was I exposed to a community that I could go to for help but I was brought into a family who I could rely on. Now I am a junior at UCSD studying communications and I have found my calling. I am in college happy and inspired because for the past 7 years I knew that there was always a community to come back to. Now I share my story to other high schoolers through a couple non-profits in the San Diego area. I tell them about how much a scholarship could mean to a person and how much it can change a life. Thank you, A Bridge for Kids foundation, for giving me this experience to share with others."
- Ronald Moreno"I am most grateful for the fact that ABFK has gifted me not only an everlasting mentor, but a lifelong friend. I am incredibly thankful to have been connected to such a kind soul who has been so willing to help me with anything I’ve needed throughout these tough times, especially navigating the transition between high school and college."
- Madison Kumai"I am very thankful for A Bridge for Kids because my sponsorship is helping me achieve my educational and career goals. This program has connected me to a wonderful mentor as well. I didn’t have someone to support me with my college application process, but my mentor saw the greatness in me and reminded me to continue pushing through. In addition, having received financial support is helping me get a step closer to college."
- Aisha Sharif Ali"Before I was involved with the A Bridge For Kids Program, I had always been very pessimistic and wary of the costs of the things I like to do such as playing expensive sports such as Lacrosse. Ever since my first sponsorship back in 2017, everything changed for the better."
- Alex Vo, The Preuss School - Class of 2020"I am extremely thankful for A Bridge For Kids who has given me the opportunity to engage and participate in numerous activities I haven't had the ability to do so before, due to my financial state. Prior to receiving a sponsorship, I, unfortunately, wasn't able to partake in cheerleading my Sophomore year simply because the expenses were too high for my family to afford."
- Christine Bach, Helix Charter Class of 2022"Simply put, the work done by ABFK has opened countless doors for me and has provided me with an extremely supportive community that above all else wants to see students succeed. Through my sponsorship, I have been able to participate in varsity athletics, pursue my passion for music and poetry, and most importantly, has made me more confident in myself and my ability to succeed in any area I set my mind to."
- Jackie Le, The Preuss School- Class of 2020"Both my mother and I are grateful that you kindly sponsored me. Thanks to your kind contribution, I can enjoy high school activities and have a full-experience as well as prepare myself for college."
- Teen, Class of 2013"I’m most thankful for the community ABFK has connected me with—I’ve met so many wonderful people through the organization— and for empowering me to hold steadfast to my goals in life."
- Amanda HinhThank you for allowing a bridge to be built in my life that will lead me closer to success. Because of your generosity I can start off the year knowing that if I need to buy anything school related my parents will not have to worry. I also love giving back to my community so I am involved with a few programs that involve me in community service every weekend. Thank you for the financial support that will help me this year. My most sincere wishes of love and happiness go to you and your family.
- Teen, Class of 2015"I am so grateful for everything that A Bridge for Kids has done for me. I now have an amazing mentor who is always available to help and listen whenever I need it. My mentor is just so generous and supportive, and I will always be grateful for A Bridge for Kids for pairing me with her."
- Meliya Russom"No few sentences can ever express how grateful I am for A Bridge for Kids over the last 6+ years. They fostered an incredible path for me to grow both academically and personally with college tours and financial support. Best of all, I'm mentoring a senior who was in my shoes to extend the support and belief they inspired in me. Thank you, especially to Randi, my mentor, for believing in me."
- Tony Chau"A Bridge for Kids allowed me, a first-generation low-income student, to succeed in high school. While at the same time providing me with the resources to prepare for college."
- David Lopez"I am eternally grateful for the support A Bridge for Kids has provided me. As I look back and reflect on my high school career, I am lucky to have stumbled upon this amazing program for all the opportunities I have been provided with. I hope to be on the other side of this program someday!"
- Maria Aguirre"A Bridge for Kids is more than a life changing experience. It has enabled me to sprout and go beyond the barriers that had been holding me down for so long. A Bridge for Kids has gifted me with so much opportunity and I am so very thankful. They have allowed for me to showcase my talents and find my true self. With their help, I have done so much more and given myself new skills that would have not been possible if it hadn’t been for them. A Bridge for Kids is a movement and I am beyond proud to be a part of it."
- Andrew Simon"Having received an SAT and ACT tutor along with a grant towards my educational financial needs, it is a huge advantage itself and will soon turn my dreams and goals into reality."
- Aisha Sharif Ali, Hoover High School - Class of 2021"A Bridge for Kids takes a unique approach to providing at-risk students with the critical support they need. Their team believes not only in providing financial support to disadvantaged students but, perhaps more importantly, they believe in providing the sort of adult mentoring that really changes lives."
- Shawn Roner- Director, Escondido Charter High School"Thanks to A Bridge for Kids, I am able to worry less about the lack of resources and focus on excelling in academics, participating in sports, and engaging with my community. In addition to the financial support, this program gave me the reassurance and confidence I need to invest in my own future."
- Savanna Russom"Something the ABFK family has done for me apart from being some sense of financial help, it has also helped me find other members who I can talk to thanks to the connection my sponsor brought among us. It also gave me a boost of confidence that there will be people along the way that have faith in my goals and are willing to help me get to the dreams I once thought of impossible. It has also helped me recognize that I too want to be able to one day give back to the community and become a sponsor as well."
- Namomi Trujillo"I am most thankful for the hope ABFK has brought to me this year. With the coronavirus occupying most of my life nowadays finding out about ABFK and what it does has made me hopeful once again about my future and getting into a great university. Quarantine has allowed time to learn more about myself, but it has also allowed time for doubt to creep in: Doubt on getting back to school and attending a college. I felt like the progress I was making in 9th grade slowed to a stop. My future hopes and dreams seemed bleak since I was stuck. I felt unmotivated. Then I learned about ABFK and applied. I was excited and hopeful. When I learned about my sponsor, I was even more excited; not only because I had been sponsored, but because I knew her. This is another thing I am thankful for. And I’ve been talking with her each week and learning more about her. I look forward to our weekly calls and I feel more ambitious and motivated because of it. So, thank you ABFK even if this is just my beginning with you, you have already made a big impact on my life and I look forward to more life changing events in the near future."
- Mokhinabonu Nuriddinova"I'm so grateful to have been able to join A Bridge for Kids' California Campus Crawl as a senior in high school. I remember being so indecisive and nervous that I was going to pick the wrong college. But after seeing the campuses in person, I was able to cut through the noise and pick the best fit for me, and I never looked back!"
- Sam MartinTHANK YOU!!! I just received the check today... I would like to thank all of you for giving me the money so quickly! You guys are so punctual and formal! (I wish I was like that all the time) WOW thank you! 🙂
- Teen, Class of 2014"A Bridge for Kids has gifted me with a beautiful community that has encouraged me to aim high and shoot for the stars, despite my background as a first-generation, low-income Latina. Without their support, I would have never been able to have such robust experiences like participating in a summer abroad program in Italy, going on an East Coast college campus trip, and most importantly attending my dream university - Yale."
- Mayerling Colin"A Bridge for Kids paired me with a mentor who did not just help me with my struggles throughout school life but helped me accept myself for who I am today. Without them, my future would not look as bright as it does today."
- Dylan Lally"Bridge For Kids provided much more than financial support. They gave me insight on different major and career choices that allowed me to choose the major I have today. With the BFK team's example, I was inspired to want to work for an organization like this one. I am excited to graduate college to start changing young students' lives, like they did with me."
- Emely Rodriguez"A Bridge for Kids has provided me with a mentor that cares a lot about my journey to college. In addition, they have provided me essay revisers such as Ms. Judy Bernstein who revises my UC Prompts. And of course, it is helping me financially to pay for college application fees and supplies to help me get through the year. I am very thankful for the opportunity A Bridge for Kids is giving me."
- Jose Mendoza"A Bridge for Kids has never been forgotten in my heart and in my current journey to medical school. My experience in High School was enhanced for the better because I was able to go on college trips on the west coast, buy my own laptop so I could stop sharing the family desktop, and even a printer so I wouldn’t have to miss breakfast to print at the school library. I became less stressed and learned to manage my time better than before. I am so thankful to A Bridge for Kids for helping me get to where I am now and where I am headed in the future. Thank you with all my heart!"
- Ilhan Nunow"A Bridge for Kids has unequivocally supported me professionally, personally, and academically. A Bridge for Kids offers me mental health resources, financial assistance to fund my higher education, and webinar workshops on various topics-- all opportunities where I am able to connect with my fellow ABFK scholars and network to expand my knowledge, depth, and perspective. I'm thankful for A Bridge for Kids for connecting me with a mentor who continuously shares with me her wisdom and teaches me life's secrets. Above all, I am endlessly thankful for a second family that ABFK has provided for me. Even when it feels like the world is collapsing within itself, I know I can count on my ABFK family for a laugh."
- Nina DoThe money you provided Roberto could not be better spent, he is a great kid, who is really finding himself, and your support will really make a difference in his life!
- Owner, Team Quest Gym- Enicinitas, CA"When I was sponsored that stress was taken away and I was finally able to concentrate on studying and learning the content that I needed to know. Not only was I able to pay for my AP exams but I was able to buy my first ever laptop. This laptop is an even bigger blessing now because of what is happening to our school system due to the pandemic.”
- Ananely Alonso, Gompers Prep Class of 2021"Bridge for kids not only provided for me financially, but they allowed me to feel like they are looking after me. They constantly look for others that need support and I will forever be grateful for the many resources they have provided not just for me, but for many others. Now, I am one step closer to attending the college of my dreams."
- Richard Nguyen"When I think back to what A Bridge for Kids has provided for me, I think not just of the bountiful financial support or the wonderful mentorship. I think deep down of its fundamental gift of generosity, a seed of hope, a bud of faith; I am who I have become because of A Bridge for Kids."
- Gialan Tonthat"I am infinitely thankful for my ABFK sponsor. In my freshman year of high school, I was adamant about staying in California for college. My sponsor encouraged me to attend ABFK’s East College tour and I later ended up attending Wesleyan University in Middletown, CT. As a high school senior, when it came time to pick which college to attend, I had my heart set on Wesleyan but my parents strongly disagreed. My sponsor supported my decision in choosing Wesleyan and helped me convince my parents that it was the right decision for me to say yes to Wes. I am now a senior at Wesleyan and just accepted a full-time job offer - she assisted me in interpreting my contract, from salary to 401(k), stocks, and taxes. My sponsor has helped me navigate the benchmark points of the last eight years of my life, and I cannot thank her enough."
- Thao Phan"The biggest impact this sponsorship had on me was not the great amount of money that I received, but it was the hope. I was about to give up, because I did not believe that someone like me could go far. A Bridge for Kids was my hope, my light in a dark tunnel."
- Jonathan B, Helix High School - Class of 2017