Achievement Institute for STEM Scholars

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 3 Accomplishments from the Past Year
1. Strengthened Organizational Capacity Through Strategic Hiring & Governance Growth
• Added three full-time leaders (Assistant Director, Fund Development Manager, Program Manager).
• Expanded support with two part-time alumni hires (Executive Assistant and Marketing Manager).
• Welcomed three new board members, enhancing governance and expertise.
2. Achieved Major Fundraising Milestones & Secured Multi‑Year Support
• Exceeded the Bridging the Gap goal by raising $65,000.
• Met the $50,000 GivingTuesday goal for the second consecutive year, supported by $50k match awards (both years) from Swenson Family Foundation.
• Reached the Q1 2026 fundraising target of $175,000 with Ceres Foundation support and remained on track for Q2.
• Secured new grant funders and a three‑year award from the Nancy E. and William S. Thompson Family Foundation.
3. Expanded Program Impact & Partnerships
• Graduated 17 Scholars in the AISS Class of 2025.
• Recruited a full Class of 2027 cohort (18 students), including 3 scholars from Anaheim USD.
• Built new partnerships with Taite Industries, Anduril, and Garner Holt.
• Advanced development of the AISS NextGen STEM Outreach Program for 9th–10th graders.
• Continued strong collaboration with OCCF, SAUSD, and Samueli Charter School, and maintained in‑kind classroom support from Chapman University.
Top 3 Goals for the Current Year
1. Launch and Scale the AISS NextGen STEM Outreach Program
• Finalize program design, secure corporate sponsors, and pilot outreach activities for 9th–10th graders.
• Position the program as a core component of our Corporate Social Responsibility partnership strategy.
2. Deepen Fundraising Stability and Diversify Revenue Streams
• Convert new funders and donors into long‑term partners.
• Strengthen corporate partnerships with Taite Industries, Anduril, Garner Holt, and others.
• Maintain momentum toward quarterly fundraising goals and expand multi‑year funding commitments.
3. Strengthen Organizational Infrastructure and Community Reach
Continue onboarding and development of new staff to maximize program quality and operational efficiency.
• Expand board engagement and finalize onboarding of additional members.
• Grow visibility and community impact through alumni engagement, parent outreach, and strategic marketing.

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."