College & Career Bridge for All (CCB4A) is a program that works with DOE and CUNY to increase postsecondary enrollment by hiring and training college students to provide meaningful advising to graduating seniors through the postsecondary planning, financial aid, and matriculation processes. In 2020, we scaled our program to ensure that all students in the NYCDOE graduating class have access to a near-peer Bridge Coach to support them on their postsecondary journey. As a city-wide program, we serve more than 50,000 students annually as they graduate from the NYCDOE. So, a Bridge Coach is a trained college student who helps students with the matriculation process.
If you want to read more, you can visit the CCB4A website
Statistics About CCB4A
55,000 students in the NYCDOE graduating Class received weekly outreach and meaningful support.
Students who engaged with their coach enrolled in Fall 2022 at a rate 9% higher than students who did not; in our Spring 2021 Winter Bridge program, it was 18% higher
How can we help you?
Research available post secondary plans for Fall 2026
Provide support on deciding which option is a best fit for you
Apply to a college or career training program and complete the enrollment steps to start in the Fall
Review and Compare Admissions Offers
Apply, update and/or verify FAFSA/TAP
Enroll in CUNY support programs (ASAP, CUNY Start, etc)
Commit to your school or career pathway of choice
Complete all necessary paperwork, and with any steps that come after you commit to your school or pro-pathway choice!
About Me
Hi! I’m Anna, I graduated from Vanderbilt University majoring in Educational Studies and Multilingual & Multicultural Studies. I’m originally from Queens, NYC, and feel privileged to have grown up in such a diverse community. I speak both English and Mandarin, which helps me connect with a wide range of students.
This is my second year as a Summer Bridge Coach, and I’m dedicated to supporting high school students as they transition to college or explore various career paths. I have experience working with a diverse group of students—both those planning to pursue higher education and those interested in other opportunities.
As a Bridge Coach, my goal is to support students in navigating the transition from high school to college or career paths by offering personalized guidance and useful resources. I connect with students through email, text, phone calls, or social media, providing help based on their individual needs and challenges. A key part of my role is assisting students with their enrollment paperwork—I break down the steps into simple checklists, help gather all necessary documents including financial aid forms, and offer one-on-one support. I also share helpful online tutorials and resources to make the process more manageable.
Together, we work to build a strong support system that encourages success, fosters community, and ensures every student is ready for their next step, whether that’s college or entering the workforce.
In my free time, I love watching movies in theaters—I went 13 times in 2023, averaging at least once a month! I also enjoy going to concerts. Some of my favorite artists I’ve seen live include Kendrick Lamar, Travis Scott, Wave to Earth, Grent Perez, and Chase Atlantic. Let me know who your favorite artists are—I’m always open to new music recommendations!
College can be stressful—managing academics, social life, work, personal well-being, and more can feel overwhelming. That’s why I’ve learned how important it is to make time for the things I enjoy. I love journaling, watching C-dramas, going on walks, and yes... even napping! In fact, I have a category on my Google Calendar labeled "Nap Time" and "Personal" to help me stay balanced. Setting aside time for myself has been essential to avoid burnout and maintain a healthy balance between school and life.
Ways To Contact Me:
You can email me at: anna.chen@bridge.cuny.edu
Text me at: (917)-994-9477
Follow my Instagram to see posts regarding helpful tips for matriculation: @bridgecoachanna
Schedule a virtual meeting with me: https://calendly.com/annac-bridgecoach25/30-minute-meeting-with-bridge-coach