Kim Ornelas

Colwell Scholar recently graduated with a B.A. in criminal justice at Sacramento State University

Impact

Scholarship Programs

Recognizing that education has the power to transform lives, lift people out of poverty, and close entrenched equity gaps, BRIDGE has awarded more than $3.5 million to residents through three scholarship programs for post-secondary studies.

Alan and Ruth Stein Educational Assistance Program

Created in 2001 by our founding Chairman and his wife, this program supports high-school graduates pursuing higher education and vocational skills, parents returning to or continuing college while working, and workers seeking to acquire new skills.

People that are in BRIDGE projects are usually working 2 and 3 jobs and its very difficult to get ahead without an education…and so my mom and dad started the Stein Scholarship Fund. My parents were brought up in very modest circumstances… and their parents understood the value of an education. And so, we’re paying it forward.”

Paul Stein

BRIDGE Board Member and son of Alan and Ruth Stein

Jonathan Bullock

2023 Stein Scholar studying information and computer science at the University of California, Irvine

Achieving my goal of getting a bachelor’s degree would not have been possible without the generous support of the BRIDGE Housing Scholarship Program. These funds not only cover my tuition but provide essential support that I need like childcare and technology that enables me to attend class. I stand here today to share some incredible news – my amazing daughter who was born when I was just 17 is also a Stein Scholar. She is now pursuing her PhD in Kinesiology at Columbia University.”

Monica Ferréy
Stein Scholar studying public health at San Francisco State University

I’m the first person in my family to go to college. I’d like to be a teacher and come back to my community, and try to motivate students to pursue higher education. Having people cheering you on and helping you out is such an amazing thing.”

Evelyn Gomez
2023 Stein Scholar studying education at the University of California, Riverside

Kent L. Colwell Scholarship Program

Created in 2017 to honor our longtime friend and Board member, this program helps BRIDGE residents pursue studies and careers in business or accounting.

Joseph Slocum

Colwell Scholar studying health administration at Capella University

Kent was a lifelong learner and believed that education could open many doors to great opportunities in life. It brings our family great joy to know that BRIDGE Housing honors his legacy by supporting its residents in their quest for a higher education.”
The Colwell Family

Kripamayi Scholarship Program

Created in 2022 in honor of the life and legacy of Vimla and Sumer Aggarwal, this program assists BRIDGE residents pursuing studies in fields with sustainable and useful career paths.

Jose Hernandez

2023 Kripamayi Scholar studying social work at San Francisco State University

Learn More About BRIDGE Scholars

%

of BRIDGE Scholars worry less about money

%

of BRIDGE Scholars encouraged their friends or family to go to school

%

of BRIDGE Scholars take out fewer student loans