What is BridgeS-Strong?

  • Our objective is to provide comprehensive information on how engineering and science support transformative technologies and can transform communities. Fostering imagination and creativity by illustrating how foundational knowledge leads to innovative solutions, inspiring participants to think outside the box.

  • Our objective is to showcase real-world applications of engineering and science that significantly benefit communities worldwide. Becoming the force of transformation. Motivate participants by connecting theoretical knowledge with tangible, positive outcomes in diverse global contexts, emphasizing the universal relevance of these disciplines.

  • Our objective is to design and implement online programs with hands-on activities that directly enhance participants' engineering and scientific skills. We want to equip individuals with practical abilities that are immediately applicable, increasing their employability and capability to innovate within their communities.

  • Our objective is to empower participants to use their newly acquired knowledge in engineering and science to develop new ideas, fostering personal growth and community development. We seek to encourage a cycle of education and innovation where participants become educators and innovators themselves, contributing to the broader education, well-being, and progress of their communities.

  • Our objective is to ensure that all educational materials and programs are accessible online, in English and Spanish, tailored to accommodate adults with diverse academic backgrounds. We aspire to broaden the reach and inclusivity of the program, ensuring that location, time, language, and prior education level are not barriers to participation, thus democratizing access to STEM education

  • Our objective is to integrate local community challenges into the curriculum, encouraging participants to apply their learning to solve real local issues. We expect to create a direct link between education and practical community improvement, enhancing local development and fostering a sense of community ownership over scientific and engineering advancements.

OUR MISSION

Our mission is to spark creativity and innovation beyond the confines of traditional education. We provide programs that focus on nurturing and retaining a skilled workforce and fostering intellectual growth among adults in their local areas.

OUR Vision

We envision a world where individuals from all upbringings can access and utilize science and engineering to improve their own lives and those of their communities. In this vision, education in these fields is not just for the elite but is a tool for everyone's empowerment and growth.

OUR VALUES

DEPENDABILITY

Our ability to make progress and achieve our goals aligns with our capability to respect and meet our commitments.

PARTNERSHIP

Our ability to make progress and achieve our goals aligns with our ability to build respectful and enduring collaborations, ensuring the mutual benefit.

TEAMWORK

Our ability to make progress and achieve our goals aligns with our ability to recognize the contribution from each member of the team, value their abilities as key pieces of the much larger endeavor, and do our part to the best of our capabilities

Meet our collaborators

Meet our Interns

  • Elise Su photo

    Elise Su

    Intern

    A rising sophomore at Johns Hopkins University studying Mechanical Engineering. She is interested in the fields of biomechanics, robotics, and human spaceflight, and is passionate about making STEM more accessible through outreach and community engagement. At Johns Hopkins, Elise is involved in several research projects spanning locomotion and biomechanics. Outside of academics, she enjoys art, rock climbing, and reading.

  • Eric Huang

    Eric Huang

    Intern

    An undergraduate student at Johns Hopkins University studying Electrical and Computer Engineering with a planned Masters in Robotics. Eric always had a passion for not just engineering but also teaching and exploring engineering education from the perspective of an engineer. In the past he has been an instructor, tutor, and teaching assistant for STEM classes and also conducted research on soft robotics and its uses in cheap educational robotics/engineering at the University of Pennsylvania.  

  • Lila Sengezener Photo

    Lila Sengezener

    Intern

    A rising senior at Walt Whitman High School with a strong interest in engineering. At school, Lila serves as a Junior Class Officer and is an active member of the Student Climate Action Council and the Environment and Sustainability Task Force. Lila hopes to pursue a degree in mechanical or architectural engineering, combining technical design with sustainability. She is particularly interested in how engineering can improve resource management, expand access to education, and address challenges facing communities around the world.

  • Mercedes Alvarez

    Intern

    Mercedes Alvarez is a rising junior at Johns Hopkins University studying Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Entrepreneurship and Management. She is passionate about engineering that serves people, strengthens communities, and makes learning more accessible. Her background includes competitive robotics throughout high school, research on microcontroller-enabled gait analysis, and the creation of open-source case studies for engineering education in ethics and professionalism. Through these experiences, Mercedes has developed a deep appreciation for both technical problem-solving and the power of education to expand opportunity. In her free time, Mercedes loves crocheting and going on nature walks. She is drawn to Bridges-Strong’s belief that anyone, regardless of their background, is capable of engineering and looks forward to working with the Program Development team for Summer 2026!

  • Sophia Jiao

    Intern

    A student at Grafton High School and the Governor's School for Science and Technology is taking a gap year to study abroad in Taiwan through the NSLI-Y program. She is passionate about using her STEM knowledge and skills to teach others who don't have the same opportunities she had. She's the co-captain of her school's VEX robotics team and has served her community greatly. She is named a 2x Virginia State Science Fair Finalist, with her most recent research project on the generational willingness to pay for sustainable clothing.

    She is also a debater and the co-lead of Dear Asian Youth @ York County, where she emphasizes the importance of policy and advocacy. She hopes to bring these experiences, skills, and knowledge to support Bridges-Strong's mission. 

  • William_sprakties_photo

    William Sprakties

    Intern

    A rising senior at Grafton High School, William is passionate about machine learning and data science. From a military family background, William has been involved in code, STEM, and music activities inside and outside schools all over the world. He was a state finalist in the Virginia State Science and Engineering Fair for his research in applied mathematics. He was  selected for the 2026 Virginia All-State Band and serves as principal percussionist for the Peninsula Youth Orchestra, captain of the Grafton High School Band’s Drumline, and member of a touring ensemble wit top musicians in the Hampton Roads area.He is also an accomplished classical pianist participating in international competitions.

    William tutors middle and high school students in both math and percussion for a non-profit after school program for underserved youth. His goal is to create encouraging environments where every student can discover passion and reach a flow state in learning.


Reach into a world brimming with exciting opportunities where innovation knows no bounds! You might think that groundbreaking tech and engineering feats are not for you but that's where you're wrong. With a dash of creativity, a better understanding of what's possible, and the right team by your side, young adults across Latin America can walk the halls of technological innovation and lead the charge in engineering marvels. Let's unlock this potential together and turn your brilliant ideas into reality!