January is National Mentoring Month and to celebrate, we’d like to introduce you to a very important group of EIA mentors: the Bridge Corps.
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You might not be familiar with the Bridge Corps, but they are a critical part of the Bridge Program’s success, supporting student Bridge Chapters on-campus and in the field.
Bridge Corps mentors bring an abundance of experience and enthusiasm for EIA’s mission. Throughout the year as university teams are preparing for their build, they provide technical assistance, review final bridge layouts and designs, assist with report writing and participate in review calls.
When it’s time for the chapters to travel and bring t
heir many months of work across the finish line, Corps members go on-site with the students, bringing their expertise and wisdom to the last leg of the journey.
Todd Wang, EIA Board Member and long-time Bridge Corps embraces his role as a Bridge Mentor as a way to pay it forward to the next generation of engineers through the dual impact of an authentic, highly impactful learning experience for EIA’s student chapters while providing life-changing infrastructure for isolated communities.
“I’ve spent a good part of my life working in developing countries, implementing basic infrastructure projects and find the work both incredibly valuable for the communities and rewarding on a personal level. Student teams have little to no experience with applying the engineering studies they’re learning and doing construction work. Compound that with doing the project in an austere environment; a dedicated mentor is needed to get them through the project safely. As a mentor you guide the students through the challenging learning experience, providing practical learning they can carry into their professional careers.”
Fifty-five Corps members are currently matched with university Bridge Chapters – with up to 15 more joining the ranks this year.
Happy Mentoring Month and Thank you Bridge Corps!