A BRIDGE TO
PROSPERITY
BP graduate Abby Cowser travels to
Rwanda for an engineering adventure.
BY PAUL GLASSER
O
nly a few days after completing her final exams at
going to work in Panama and was surprised to be selected for
Pennsylvania State University, Abby Cowser was on her
the Rwandan project. The team met once a week during the
way to build a bridge in Rwanda.
spring semester to design the bridge and plan for logistical needs.
Cowser, a 2016 Bethel Park graduate, is a sophomore and
They had to make arrangements for housing and food and also
studies civil engineering at PSU. She participated in the Bridges
complete the required vaccinations.
to Prosperity program this summer and spent a month helping to
Representatives from the national Bridges to Prosperity
build a 200-foot suspension bridge in
program helped the team design the
rural Rwanda. Cowser has participated
bridge. In May, Cowser and seven
in mission trips in the United States
other PSU students arrived in central
and Mexico, but the trip to Rwanda,
Rwanda to start construction. Local
located in central Africa, was her
laborers had spent the previous month
longest journey yet. The program’s
preparing the construction site.
goal is to improve access to markets,
The suspension bridge will allow
education and health care in isolated
8,500 residents to cross a nearby river
communities around the world.
that frequently floods during the
Cowser learned about the program
rainy season. When the river floods,
last year and applied. She was selected
residents are cut off from their fields
after completing an interview.
as well as markets, schools and health
Abby Cowswer with several of the local Rwandan
children who watched workers build the bridge.
services.
Originally, Cowser thought she was
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