Somerset, NJ - Quarantine and isolation have become the norm during the global COVID-19 pandemic, but a teen-led organization based in New Jersey has used this as an opportunity to foster cultural connections. The organization was founded in early March of 2020 by two high schoolers Tianran Song and Jennifer Hu from Rutgers Preparatory School to mitigate the pandemic’s disruption of education.

Although inspired by the issues that arose from the COVID-19 pandemic, their broader goal is to decrease educational inequality and foster intercultural dialogue. “By overcoming educational barriers and raising cultural awareness, we can connect people from all parts of the world and every walk of life,” says Tianran. And they have, through various programs and initiatives, Cultural Bridge has reached over 2000 people across 5 continents.

Recently, the sixth eight-week session of their English tutoring program began. Together, the co-founders and rising seniors Richard Zhu from the Peddie School, and Christine Ling from Ridge High School lead a group of over 100 tutors, curriculum developers, social media coordinators, and translators in organizing Cultural Bridge tutoring sessions that are

free-of-charge. The program uses lessons centered around common American literature and simple word games in order to teach students from underserved areas across the globe about the English language and American culture. Students are sorted into four different levels based on their English proficiency and paired with volunteer tutors for one-on-one lessons.

“I have always been passionate about American literature and poetry, and through Cultural Bridge I can share the magic of these writings with others,” says Richard Zhu. “Being both a leader and a tutor, I have seen firsthand how individualized lessons on topics like mythology, technology, and the Grammys have catalyzed student interest in the unique culture of the United States.”

"In the beginning, our team consisted of only less than fifteen people. After our continuous improvement and thanks to the promotion by our students and their parents, our team has gradually grown," says Ying (Jennifer) Hu. In total, over 3000 community service hours have been awarded through the tutoring program and the program has received great feedback from students and parents.

“Thank you. I’m from rural China. I value education, but there is no language learning environment here. I don't know English so there is no way for me to teach my son. My son was losing his confidence and resisted learning English. Fortunately, we met tutors from Cultural Bridge. My son learned so much and stepped out of his comfort zone to speak English.”—— Alfred's father, Parent （Translated by Tianran)