CIVICBRIDGE
Cincinnati
Navigate Services in Your Language. With Human Help.
1 / 10
The Problem: Compounding Barriers
Navigating civic systems isn't just hard—it's systematically designed for failure
74%
Delay seeking help due to confusion
3.7
Average attempts to complete one task
31%
Give up entirely before getting help
2 / 10
A Typical Journey: The Bureaucratic Maze
📄
Confusing Form
20 pages of legal English
→
❌
Wrong Office
Sent to 3 different places
→
⏰
Missed Deadline
Lost opportunity forever
→
Language barriers amplify cognitive load, which amplifies fear, which leads to abandonment
3 / 10
CivicBridge: Breaking the Cycle
We don't replace advisors—we make them accessible
Task Navigator
Breaks complex processes into clear steps. Identifies "keystone documents" that break catch-22s.
Smart Routing
Connects users to the RIGHT specialist on first try. No more "wrong department" runaround.
Multilingual Access
Full interface in 5 languages: English, Arabic, Spanish, Mandarin, Hindi.
Privacy-First
Zero storage of sensitive documents. Local processing only. Built for vulnerable communities.
4 / 10
Three-Layer Architecture
Layer 1: Self-Service Intelligence (80%)
Task guides, resource maps, timeline calculators—instant answers for straightforward questions
↓
Layer 2: Human Connection (15%)
Smart routing to advisors with context sent ahead—efficient, productive appointments
↓
Layer 3: Emergency Protocol (5%)
One-tap access to crisis resources—shelter, safety, immediate help
5 / 10
Pilot Results: Proven Impact
One semester, real users, measurable outcomes
94%
Successfully Connected
18 min
Average Time to Right Resource
4.7/5
User Satisfaction Rating
From 3.7 attempts and 6+ hours to 1.2 attempts and 18 minutes
6 / 10
Built for Vulnerable Communities
Privacy isn't a feature—it's our foundation
No Document Storage
- Zero passport numbers stored
- Zero SSNs collected
- Local-only processing
- User controls their data
No Surveillance
- We don't track who you are
- No reporting to agencies
- Anonymous usage allowed
- FERPA compliant
Full Transparency
- Plain-language privacy policy
- Translated into 5 languages
- Open about data practices
- User feedback on every resource
Verified Accuracy
- Every resource timestamped
- Biweekly verification cycle
- Direct links to official sources
- Community validation
7 / 10
The Team
University of Cincinnati Engineering Students
Advised by UC International Services & Cincinnati Compass
8 / 10
Implementation Timeline
✓
Week 1-2
Research & Interviews
User needs identified
✓
Week 3
MVP Development
Core features built
4
Week 4
Pilot Testing
20 user validation
5
Week 5
Launch & Scale
Partner integration
Next Steps
- Expand to 10 languages
- Partner with 5 more community organizations
- Train 20 peer navigators
- Deploy citywide through Cincinnati Public Library system
9 / 10
Your Path Through Cincinnati
Starts Here
civicbridge.org
hello@civicbridge.org
10 / 10