![Seven students of various ethnic backgrounds stand shoulder to shoulder outdoors](https://astronomy.sdsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/image2-e1569264883744-1024x568.jpeg)
The Department congratulates Yasmin Afshar, Kiley Mayford, Kelcey Davis, Kara Whitaker, and Jose Ruiz Casias on their recently-rewarded Cal-Bridge scholarships to support them as they work toward graduate school and careers in astronomy and physics. The Cal-Bridge program is supported by a $5 million grant from the National Science Foundation, and involves a consortium of 15 CSU and 9 UC campuses. Students receive guidance from their CSU and UC mentors on building research skills and preparing for graduate school. Jordan Ealy and Erika Gwin are 2018 recipients of Cal-Bridge scholarships.