Achievement Institute Of Scientific Studies

The Achievement Institute’s mission is to help economically disadvantaged high school students gain a college education in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). AISS' mission was inspired by a vision to help students gain an understanding of theory and its application of real-world technology. AISS is committed to helping break the cycle of untapped potential, under-employment, financial struggle and unmet dreams that these students could face in their futures.

AISS was founded by retired Santa Ana Unified School District (SAUSD) educator and administrator, Paul Riordan. He was inspired by a gifted student who had dropped out of high school in order to support his family when the student's father passed away. Paul was instrumental in helping the student find a better paying part-time job so he could stay in school. That student not only graduated, he went to law school and became a lawyer. Paul, motivated by the impact he had on the student's life, set a plan in motion that involved successfully collaborating with the SAUSD, strategic community partners and industry businesses.
In 1998 Paul Riordan, an educator and administrator with the Santa Ana Unified School District, decided it was time to retire and pursue a lifelong vision, helping kids achieve a better tomorrow. His true passion came to fruition when he worked with school officials and business leaders to design a program allowing low income students an opportunity for higher education in STEM fields. In 2001 AISS was born. AISS concentrates this effort with students from eight high schools in the city of Santa Ana. AISS operates a comprehensive two-year program over the course of the students' junior and senior years of high school. AISS offers 25 economically disadvantaged scholars the competitive tools to enter the most prestigious universities in the country where they will study STEM academic paths. AISS' current and past scholars represent the top 10% in their schools.
Most are from hardship areas in Santa Ana and are the first in their families to attend universities. Historically the scholars have been overwhelmingly Hispanic (95%) and female (60%). AISS' program focuses on three major areas: STEM Career Awareness, College Readiness (SAT/ACT preparations, university and scholarship research, advance math tutoring/critical thinking and writing), and Life/Professional Skills (leadership, time management, presentations, business ethics, and networking).

Top accomplishments from the past year:
1. Our most rewarding accomplishment last year was the continuation of our 100% success rate with program graduates receiving acceptance letters to quality colleges and universities. In 2023, scholars received 170 acceptance letters from 70 universities. We are especially proud of Scholar Said Garcia, who was accepted to California Institute of Technology, with a full scholarship. We normally have our scholars apply to for at least 10 colleges. Said was only interested in attending Cal Tech. He knew it was an ambitious goal, however, he was committed to reaching it by presenting compelling essays and application. With the extra support from our Vice-chair, Dr. Jackie Rojas, and our partner, College Essay Guy, Said was accepted to his dream college. Said will be studying Robotics Engineering.
2. We are back on track with implementing our strategic plan with expanding the program by recruiting every year instead of every other year. Beginning in 2024, AISS will conduct two cohorts concurrently. AISS Class of 2025, with 23 seniors, and Class of 2026, with 12, will kick-off in the summer of 2024. We will pilot a cohort mainly from Century High School, with support from the Higher Ed and the principal.
3. Two essential board members were recruited last year, John Houten and Frank Gomez. Both are active members in the community and bring valuable skills to the organization. John is a retired VP of a financial institution and Frank is currently working in the CSU office of the Chancellor and is also the Executive Director of STEM-NET. Both individuals vital fund and partnership development experience desired by our organization.
Top goals for the current year:
1. Successfully hold an information session at Century High School, then recruit 10 scholars for the next cohort.
2. Seek out additional revenue sources through family foundations and individual donors.
3. Continue recruiting more active and experienced board members.

AISS' top 5 most pressing needs are:
1. Resources: AISS needs a full-time Fund and Program Development Assistant position at $45,000 annually. Reports to executive director, 50% Fund Development, 25% Program, 25% Operations.
2. Funding for Laptops. AISS is looking for funding for 35 laptops. AISS provides laptops ($35,000) to students during their senior year of high school. These are high functioning laptops that can handle the large science and math software applications that students will use in high school and college.
3. Board and Committee Members. AISS is looking for experienced board members with active community involvement. We specifically need board members who have legal, marketing, accounting, or entrepreneurial experience.
4. Marketing and Social Media Administrator. AISS seeks funding to hire a part-time social media and website administrator at $20 an hour or $20,640 a year.
5. Treasurer and Marketing Committee Chairs. AISS specifically needs volunteers for these roles.

AISS mainly supports students in the city of Santa Ana, California. We have also supported scholars from other areas in Orange County, such as Anaheim, Garden Grove, Irvine, Orange, Tustin, and Villa Park. Our long-term goals are to expand to middle school, and to other cities and school districts.

AISS operates a comprehensive two year program that offers economically disadvantaged students the opportunity to change their lives as well as the lives of the people around them. Most students will be the first to attend college in their families. These students are focused and determined to make a better life for them and their families.
 
AISS' methodology involves giving students the tools they need to apply to a prestigious university or college along with the financial support necessary to take AP/SAT/ACT and apply to at least 10 universities and colleges.
 
AISS' program is so important to students like our scholars because it not only brings STEM career awareness options to students, it also gets the students ready for college by developing a educational business plan in addition to training students on the necessary 21st century skills, such as personal presentation, communication and interpersonal. 
 
AISS ultimate goal is to not only prepare students for college, but to also prepare them for life. Student scholars spend on average 205 academic hours in AISS annually in 50 -60 workshops receiving guidance from staff and guest speakers and facilitators who share their personal, education and professional experiences with the students. They also learn how to network and communicate verbally as well as in writing.
 
AISS is successful because it spends the necessary time to bring STEM professionals into the classroom and expose them to career options they wouldn't have ordinarily known about and AISS also helps students learn what their strengths are then match them to careers that compliments their interests and talents.
 

Through Octane, Orange County's leading job growth business network, Nick was introduced to the AISS Foundation and its
tremendous success over many years. The scholars' passion and those who have brought the program to life struck a chord with
Nick's own experiences. "There are so many brand-new STEM-based jobs that we hadn't even imagined just a decade or two
ago," stated Nick. "Helping young talent with a passion for learning, exploration, and prepare themselves for a future in so many
impactful careers are a blessing. I look forward to working with Debbie, her team, and the impressive array of
volunteers that have been brought together."