Lighting the Way: Cenca Bridge Wins Simons Foundation Funding for Expanding Astronomy Opportunities

NSF NRAO supports award-winning nonprofit to build scientific capacity and leadership in the Central America and the Caribbean

Cenca Bridge, an internationally recognized nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering scientific research and education among marginalized students in Central America and the Caribbean, has won $1.5 million, to be received over 5 years, from the Simons Foundation to support and expand their internships, mentorships, and career development opportunities. The U.S. National Science Foundation National Radio Astronomy Observatory has provided administrative and leadership support in these efforts.

“This is the first award of its kind in a region we want to see flourish with more opportunities to do astronomy research. We have done a lot of heavy-lifting in past years developing infrastructure for astronomy research, mentorship, and education in the region. We want to show governments from Central America and the Caribbean that astrophysics/science is worth investing in,”  explains Antonio Porras, a member of the Cenca Bridge team, “Our work goes beyond astronomy research. We improve the quality of education and teach transferable skills applicable to any job market. We are extremely grateful for the trust the Simons foundation has put on us to conduct such caring, carefully crafted high impact work.”

Since its inception in 2016, with just six students from Costa Rica, Cenca Bridge has grown into a vibrant community of over 100 undergraduate students from countries including Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Panama, Puerto Rico, Trinidad & Tobago, Haiti, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic. The organization’s remote internship program has successfully mentored 48 students, many of whom have gone on to pursue graduate studies, publish scientific articles, and develop leadership skills.

“Cenca Bridge was born as a dream: to connect students from our region with the world, give them visibility and showcase their talent beyond borders,” explains Yahira Mendoza, another member of the Cenca Bridge team, “Today, that dream has become a reality and has grown more than we ever imagined. Thanks to our joint work and constant cooperation, we have not only boosted our students, but also strengthened Cenca as a platform capable of generating real and sustainable opportunities. This path has been possible thanks to a team committed to impact and transformation.”

In 2021, Cenca Bridge received a multi-year grant from the International Astronomical Union (IAU) Office of Astronomy for Development to enhance astronomy education in the region. Most recently, in 2024, the organization was honored with the prestigious IAU Development Prize for its impactful work in expanding research opportunities in Central America and the Caribbean. The team also had the opportunity to present their work at the IAU General Assembly in Cape Town, South Africa. In addition, Cenca Bridge conducts a three-month remote internship that pairs students with global research advisors and local mentors, fostering hands-on research experience and professional growth. Complementary activities include workshops, webinars featuring leading astronomers, and listening circles facilitated by mental health professionals to support students’ well-being.

Looking ahead, the Simons Foundation award will fund Cenca Bridge’s strategic goals to focus on improving astronomy education through mentorship and research internships, empowering students to share knowledge within their communities. Providing access to participants to attend major scientific conferences, such as the American Astronomical Society (AAS), is also an integral part of these efforts to inspire future leaders. The Bridge team will also develop centralized resources in Spanish and English for technical training, seminars, and mental health support tailored to the needs of marginalized students. All of these efforts will be strengthened with regional collaboration through annual in-person meetings and community-building initiatives.

“Cenca Bridge remains committed to building a sustainable scientific community in Central America and the Caribbean, promoting regional involvement, and creating pathways for talented students to contribute to global science. The NRAO recognizes the vital importance of a connected, well trained international scientific community, and is proud to continue to offer our support to the team so they can access resources like this latest award,” shares Heather Cochrane, associate director of advancement for the NSF NRAO.

“What Cenca Bridge has accomplished so far is quite rare, and it highlights the importance of community-driven initiatives in astronomy, particularly in countries with limited opportunities in the field,” adds Gloria Fonseca Alvarez, a member of the Cenca Bridge team. “I’d like to recognize the students who have participated in the program over the years, as their motivation and experiences have laid the groundwork for the future student support this award will enable. I look forward to working with the NRAO, who have provided invaluable support for our efforts.”

About NRAO

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is a facility of the U.S. National Science Foundation, operated under cooperative agreement by Associated Universities, Inc.

This news article was originally published on the NRAO website on May 14, 2025.