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Message Dear Bridge Pointe Community,I’m proud to share that Bridge Pointe has officially awarded our first round of scholarships, marking a powerful stepforward in our mission to close the opportunity gap and uplift students on their journey to higher education.In October, we’ll host our official launch and a large-scale fundraiser—a celebration of how far we’ve come and a call toaction for the road ahead. We’re building a movement, and we want you with us.As highlighted in this newsletter, recent legislative changes threaten educational access for many. That’s why our mission ismore critical than ever. Bridge Pointe stands as a beacon of support, and we are committed to expanding scholarships,growing mentorship opportunities, and driving community-based solutions that remove barriers to success.Together, we’re not just reacting—we’re leading with purpose. Thank you for being part of this journey.In Partnership,Dr. Lashunda Reynolds Bridge Pointe Foundation, Inc. 1Vol.1Letter from Executive Director:This work isn’t possible without you. Let this newsletter beboth an update and an invitation—to stay engaged, to lendyour voice, and to continue helping us bridge the gap. How to Get Involved:Looking ahead, we’ll be calling on volunteers thisFebruary to help us review applications and select ournext class of Bridge Pointe Scholars. We’ll also need helping hands to prepare and send offour signature Bridge Pointe boxes filled with resourcesand encouragement for each recipient. If you're interested in joining us in this meaningfulwork, visit www.bridgepointefoundation.com volunteerto sign up and stay connected.Answer the Call to Action:Aug. 2025CONTENTWelcome PageWhat We DoBP Updates/ScholarsCollege NewsScholarships AvailableDonors- Thank YouPAGE #Page 1Page 2Page 3Page 4Page 5Page 6

Bridge Pointe Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in theWashington DC Metropolitan Area, founded by Dr. LashundaReynolds. Our mission is to bridge the gap to post-secondarysuccess by providing students with the resources, scholarships,and community support they need to thrive.Impact & AccountabilityBridge Pointe Foundation ensures the transparent use of fundsdirectly for student success. As a recognized nonprofit, we upholdfinancial integrity and are committed to measurable impact.Why We ExistOur purpose is to break systemic barriers to education, invest infuture leaders, and create a community that believes in everystudent’s potential.W H Y W E N E E D Y O U R S U P P O R TW H A TW E D O :ElevateEmpowerEmail: Bridgepointefoundation@gmail.comInstagram: @bridgepointefoundation43%Scanfor moreinformationHope Rises withEvery InvestmentTransform We award scholarships topromising students whodemonstrate both potentialand need. We collaborate with schools,mentors, and localorganizations to buildstudent support systems.Our work also includesmentoring, workshops, andproviding resources forpersonal growth.“ o f c o l l e g e s t u d e n t sr e p o r t t h a t t h e c o s t o fc o l l e g e m a d e t h e mc o n s i d e r d r o p p i n g o u t . ”70%“ N e a r l y 7 0 % o f c o l l e g es t u d e n t s w o r k w h i l ee n r o l l e d ”2X“ F i r s t - g e n e r a t i o n c o l l e g es t u d e n t s a r e t w i c e a sl i k e l y t o l e a v e s c h o o lw i t h i n 3 y e a r s ”

TOP NEWSBP Goals:Bridge Pointe raised $2,500 in thefirst month of our fundraisingcampaign to help cover initialscholarship expenses for the 2025–2026 school year. Our goal is to raise$10,000 by the end of the year tosupport additional scholarships andprovide Bridge Boxes to our scholars.. LEADING SOLUTIONS FOR ABETTER FUTURETo kick off the Invest In A BridgeFundraising initiative, we’re hostinga Launch Party in October—details tobe announced soon. Stay tuned formore information and opportunitiesto get involved. Together, we canbuild stronger futures—one student ata time.BRIDGE POINTESCHOLARS Ny’lah Newkirk is a youthadvocate and recent graduate ofMcKinley Technology High Schoolin Washington, D.C. A recipient ofthe Bridge Pointe Scholarship, sheis known for her leadership inviolence prevention and communityengagement. Ny’lah will attendCoppin State University, where sheplans to continue her advocacy andacademic excellence.Fundraiser Coming: Investto Build a Bridge(Donor Box)Marcus Hackett graduated with honorsand is a 2025 recipient of the BridgePointe Scholarship. Known for his strongwork ethic, leadership skills, anddedication to community service,Marcus has consistently pursuedexcellence both academically andpersonally. He will attend MorehouseCollege to continue developing histalents and to prepare for a future ofimpactful leadership.Da’Montae Neclos, a graduate ofMcKinley Technology High School, is a2025 Bridge Pointe Scholar celebrated forhis perseverance, drive, and dedication topersonal and academic success. Throughouthigh school, he stood out as a thoughtfulleader and engaged student, committed togrowth and making a difference. This fall,he will begin his next chapter at LouisianaState University, where he looks forwardto exploring new opportunities andcontinuing to uplift others through hisjourney.Starting in October, BridgePointe will launch the Invest in aBridge fundraising initiativethrough Donorbox with a goal ofraising $5,000. This effort willsupport scholarships and criticalresources that empower studentsto strive for academic excellenceand personal growth. Everycontribution helps build astronger future—one student at atime. Join us in making a lastingimpact by investing in a bridge.

The Weight of Student Debt and the Importance ofScholarshipsStudent debt has taken a toll on students for decades. The cost of tuition has increased by 36.7% from 2010 to 2023resulting in more young students applying for student loans. However, only 11% of students receive scholarshipsfrom their institutions. Americans have faced a magnitude of stressors in the past years from the COVID-19 pandemic, police violence, andthe job market crashing. Student debt has been an added stress on students and graduates. This has resulted in adelay in house buying and an increase in mental health trauma. People are fighting for student-loan forgiveness, butthe battle is far from over. The best way for students to combat student debt is scholarships. Scholarships are thebiggest relief for college students. It provides students with a fresh start after college with nothing holding themback from pursuing their passions. They are not weighed down by financial stress and instead excel at life. By students applying to a variety of scholarships they can flourish. There is a scholarship for every student. It is amatter of applying and perseverance. A student’s drive to be financially free can change their chance of beingweighed down by college debt. .Technology has been a game changer for the world of education. It has resulted in digital textbooks, global resources,and personalized learning. However, has technology taken a turn for the worse with students using artificialintelligence (AI)? Initially, artificial intelligence was created to enhance the learning process by providing information to help peoplesolve problems. According to education professionals around the globe, generative artificial intelligence (AI) has put ahindrance on a student’s education. However, students have been abusing the use of artificial intelligence. Studentshave been relying on AI to cheat on assignments, exams, and homework. Due to students relying on artificial intelligence programs like ChatGPT their critical thinking skills have plummetedas well as their grades. In a study conducted by Education Weekly they found 63% of teachers said the amount ofstudents accused of using artificial intelligence has increased from 48 percent in the last school year. Teachers have started to use their own artificial intelligence programs to detect the use of artificial intelligence inschoolwork. The only way to stop students from relying on artificial intelligence to do their schoolwork for them is toshow them how to use artificial intelligence to enhance their learning instead of doing their learning for them. TheNational Academy of Learning (NAS) performed a study where they compared 1,000 high school students and studiedtheir test scores. For some students they gave an AI tutor who mimics the regular ChatGPT interface and for others they gave asafeguard learning platform that is like a GPT tutor. They found that those who used the GPT tutor platform’s gradesincreased significantly by 127% in comparison to the 48% increase for those who used GPT Base. Students will useartificial intelligence regardless of being warned against it, it is up to professionals to teach them how to use itproperly to further their learning. Students and the Overconsumption of AILiyah Tyner- - College Liaison Writer/EditorLiyah Tyner- College Liaison Writer/Editor

TIPS FOR APPLYING Undergraduate/GraduateScholarships Aug. 4- Cooper Industries Scholarship-UNCF Aug. 7- AT&T/ The NETwork BICP -Lewis Latimer ScholarshipAug. 15 -AKA-EAF GraduateScholarshipAug. 15- 2025-2026 Lincoln FinancialScholars ProgramAug. 25- Quest Bridge MBA 1.Start Early and Stay Organized2. Begin your search and keep trackof deadlines and requirements toavoid last-minute stress.3.Follow Instructions Carefully--Read all application guidelinesthoroughly and submit exactlywhat’s requested.4.Write Authentic PersonalStatements--Share your true storyand goals in your own words—avoidusing AI or generic templates toensure your voice shines through.5.Request ThoughtfulRecommendations6.Proofread and Submit Early7. Check your application for errorsand submit before deadlines tomaximize your chances.AUGUST & SEPTEMBER DEADLINESCLICK LINKS FOR MORE DETAILSSCHOLARSHIP PAGE:NATIONAL AND LOCAL TO THE DMV AREAHigh School Scholarships Aug. 1- Opens Coca Cola Scholarship Aug. 15- Inclusion In Digital Marketing Aug. 15- DC Tuition Assistance (DCTAG) Aug. 25- Frederick Douglass Scholarship Aug. 25- Global Perspectives Scholarship Aug. 31- College Is Power Scholarship. Aug. 31- Future Educator Scholarship Sept. 1- Beauty & Wellness ProfessionalsScholarship Sept. 1- Gates Scholarship 2025. Sept. 1- Opens: Jackie Robinson Foundation. Sept. 15- Quest Bridge Scholarship Sept. 15- Be the Boss Scholarship Sept. 30- Opens- Bridge Pointe Scholar Box

Donor’s: Thank You!Donors:Donors:**Lanora & Elbert ReynoldsLanora & Elbert Reynolds*Cheryl Gaffney*Cheryl Gaffney **Dr. Samantha Davis**Dr. Samantha Davis**Dina Collier**Dina Collier**Dr. Laura Rup**Dr. Laura Rup**Dr. Angela Stephens**Dr. Angela Stephens**Eric King**Eric King **Allison Crouch**Allison Crouch**Dr. Laura Rup**Dr. Laura Rup**Dr. Angela Stephens**Dr. Angela StephensDaMontae NeclosDaMontae NeclosNariah MinorNariah MinorNylah NewkirkNylah NewkirkJahaan ThomasJahaan ThomasDiana CunninghamDiana CunninghamPortia SuberPortia SuberLiyah TynerLiyah TynerAlysha ButlerAlysha ButlerPhillip AbatanPhillip AbatanJasmine EvansJasmine EvansChristian HowardChristian Howard*Tier 1 Donors ($500- $250)*Tier 1 Donors ($500- $250)** Tier 2 Donors ($249- $100)** Tier 2 Donors ($249- $100)From the bottom of our hearts, thank you. Your generous donation is more than just a gift—it’s a powerful act of belief in the potential of ourstudents and the mission of Bridge Pointe. Because of you, we are able to offer more than scholarships; we provide hope, encouragement, anda sense of belonging to young people striving to build brighter futures. Your support helps create opportunities that many only dream of—andreminds our scholars that they are seen, valued, and capable. ~ Dr. Lashunda ReynoldsExecutive Board: Dr. Lashunda Reynolds- Executive DirectorJohnathan Hill- Deputy DirectorDr. Matthew Austin- Director of FundraisingPamela Dunbar- Director Community OutreachKamren Rollins- Director of PartnershipsLaShay Wilkerson- Communication Specialist