Cenca Bridge

The mission of the Central American - Caribbean Bridge in Astrophysics (Cenca Bridge INC) is to provide opportunities in astronomy to marginalized students from Central America and the Caribbean. Cenca Bridge in a mentorship and research internship program, as well as an international network of students and professional astronomers. ​

About the program

The Central American - Caribbean Bridge in Astrophysics (Cenca Bridge) started on September of 2016 to provide academic guidance to undergraduate students interested in astrophysics and astronomy. Through a model similar to the National Astronomy Consortium (NAC) program at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory, we adopted a meeting format, where students participate in a monthly webinar series as a community with a guest speaker, usually an astronomer. The program is based on a similar structure used by the NAC, with continuing mentorship. Since then, the program has grown with the goal is to expand astrophysics and astronomy research opportunities in Central America and the Caribbean in addition to promoting graduate opportunities to nontraditional students. In 2022, Cenca Bridge was established as a Non-Profit organization in the state of Tennessee. We offer opportunities to participate in a remote research experience, and technical and professional development workshops.

The remote research experience for undergraduate students is a program that provides the opportunity for students in Central America and the Caribbean to do research in astrophysics without physical relocation. In Central America and the Caribbean, there is little-to-no research opportunities in astrophysics. Our goal is to make accessible research opportunities to students that are not able to travel abroad to complete a research internship. 

Students from all backgrounds are encouraged to participate in our program, specially women of color from the region.  For students interested in participating in the program from or affiliated to Central America or the Caribbean who can benefit from a program like this, please send an email to cencabridgeastro[at]gmail[dot]com
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PROJECT GOALS​​

  • Expand academic research opportunities in Central America and the Caribbean
  • Increase the number of underrepresented genders from Central America and the Caribbean interested in Astronomy and Astrophysics
  • Provide tools and resources such as integrated programming lessons, information regarding international internships, conferences, workshops
  • Establish an international network of friends, potential mentors, and professional contacts for potential interest in graduate school overseas
  • Integrate professional development component. Guide students throughout application process, include workshops on how to build a resume, how to find an academic mentor, requesting letters of recommendation, what is graduate school, financing while in school, stress and time management
  • Discuss social justice, racial and gender inequalities present in our field as well as in society. Information about imposter syndrome, stereotype threats, social contingencies
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CENTRAL AMERICAN - CARIBBEAN BRIDGE IN ASTROPHYSICS
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