Express likes to hire a wide cross section of pilots from varied backgrounds. We are not "obligated" to hire anybody, and I doubt highly there is any institutional slant toward bridge program candidates.
It can be very frustrating when you see other, seemingly less qualified applicants get a call when you don't. Unfortunately, it happens every day in our industry. The best advice I can offer is that if you really want to work here, continue to update and learn as much as you can about us. Do you know any XJT pilots? If not, maybe you should attempt to meet one. Recommendations are taken very seriously here. Your student got hired before you did? Ask him or her for some help.
Continually strive to improve your qualifications and build experience and flight time.