A message from Ana Rowena Mallari, QuestBridge Co-Founder and CEO

When you reflect on your life, what influences have had the greatest impact on you? Do people, experiences, or personal endeavors come to mind? Although the answer to this question is unique to each individual, we believe that — in addition to our personal motivations — it is a combination of connections and opportunities that can truly shape our lives.

That’s why QuestBridge exists. By connecting students from low-income backgrounds with a thriving community and transformative educational, career, and life opportunities, QuestBridge helps propel them to lives of fulfillment, meaning, and purpose. Our hope is for a more equitable society where every student can dream big, reach their potential, contribute to the world, and build a life that they love.

QuestBridge aims to play a role throughout a student’s life, but particularly during pivotal life stages. We believe that attending college can be a launchpad for students from low-income backgrounds. The opportunities, connections, and resources available at top colleges in particular can have a transformational impact on a student's life. However, there’s a gap – annually there are tens of thousands of talented high school students from low-income backgrounds who are academically qualified to attend top colleges, but the majority of them don’t apply to even one selective college. 

Meanwhile, many top colleges, companies, and graduate schools strive to embrace and support the country's most talented, determined, and motivated students from low-income backgrounds. Top colleges meet 100% of demonstrated financial need and offer support for students from low-income backgrounds on their campuses. Similarly, graduate schools and companies have abundant resources, but they are often missing out on these excellent candidates.

Our programs aim to bridge these gaps so that our students can access the opportunities they deserve throughout their lives. While we recognize that we cannot influence every single aspect of the lives of our Scholars and Alumni, we will do all that we can to support them towards thriving now and in their bright futures.

Wherever you are on your journey, I hope you will dream big and boldly pursue opportunities that help you live a life you love.

Sincerely,
Ana Rowena Mallari 
QuestBridge Co-Founder and CEO