Stem Advantage

STEM Advantage mentors, prepares, and inspires women and underserved communities, primarily first-generation college students from low-income families, for careers in science, technology, engineering, and math – or STEM. We “level the playing field” by empowering talented students with access to networks, employment, and economic mobility often limited to students attending elite universities, while providing a vetted pipeline of diverse talent to businesses to fill their workforce needs.

Lee Ann Kline is President and Founder of STEM Advantage. Lee Ann began her career as a programmer at IBM. As a Mathematics and Computer Science major with an MBA from The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, she was keenly aware of the lack of women in her field and the need for role models. As her career progressed and she became a consultant at EY, she observed firsthand the lack of gender and racial diversity in technology organizations she served.

See something, do something.

Inspired to create change, Lee Ann leveraged her network to create STEM Advantage in 2012. STEM Advantage is a 501(c)(3) public charity based in Huntington Beach. Lee Ann left her corporate role at EY in 2020 and is focused on STEM Advantage full-time providing in-kind professional services.

The low-income, first-generation students we serve face many deeply rooted systemic, racial, and cultural barriers to accessing and pursing opportunity, which impact their ability to pursue and succeed in achieving a college education, particularly in STEM fields. One of the most significant factors impacting students of color is financial resources to pursue a college education, seek and secure relevant work experience, and build a network and community of professional colleagues. An additional key barrier is connection—bonds with peers facing similar circumstances and life experiences that promote feelings of belonging, relationships with mentors to provide guidance and serve as role models, and linkages to business professionals that open doors to employment.

Our program is keenly focused on removing or mitigating these barriers so that young people from underserved communities may realize their full potential. Moreover, as there is a critical shortage of STEM workers in the United States – we help build a diverse pipeline of talent, especially female and minority talent.

Why serve college students?
College graduates have an increased earning potential of up to $1 million over a lifetime – and STEM Advantage Scholars are tracking to earn more than $2 million more in their lifetime post-program – yet only 67% of students from low-income households enroll in college nationally vs. 83% of their high-income peers. National college graduation rates for low-income youth show only 11% earn a bachelor's degree.

Education helps young people realize their full potential, and a bachelor’s degree is the surest path to the middle class.

Why focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math)?
The lack of diversity in STEM professions is well documented and paints a dire picture for the low-income, first-generation students of color we serve. A 2018 Pew Center Study reports Latinx individuals make up 16% of the total US workforce, yet only 7% of the STEM workforce. A Million Women Mentors report indicates women account for only 24% of the STEM workforce, yet nearly 50% of the workforce nationwide. For every 100 female undergraduate students, 12% graduate with a STEM major and only 3% work in STEM fields after graduation.

Diversity matters because STEM jobs pay more, on average, than non-STEM jobs. Plus, 80% of the fastest growing occupations depend upon mastery of STEM skills.

“The best thing I have done for my future, by far, was apply for the STEM Advantage program. “
- Sirena, Computer Science major, Cal State Fullerton

Impact
• $75,000 average starting salary, a sustainable, middle-class living wage (400% increase over average pre-program salary)
• STEM Advantage Scholars are tracking to earn more than $2 million more in their lifetime post-program.
• 975 Scholars
• 100% graduation rate with persistence in a STEM major
• 87% students of color
• 72% first-generation college students from low-income families
• 52% women
• $2.8 million in scholarships

Scholars say our program is “life-changing” and empowering with a ripple effect:
1. Preparing women and underserved communities for STEM jobs, which pay more, on average,
than non-STEM jobs.
2. Scholars earn $75,000 average starting salary, a sustainable middle-class living wage (400% increase over average pre-program salary). They can save and invest, buy a home, and build wealth.
3. Alumni “pay it forward” as role models and mentors for siblings and younger students. If they can see it, they can be it.
4. Children of alumni will grow-up with an expectation (versus the exception) of going to college.
5. This results in a generational impact and clear path to narrow the gender and racial wealth gaps creating financial security and stability for families and redefining the narrative.

STEM Advantage Scholars are tracking to earn more than $2 million more in their lifetime post-program.

Our top goals are:

1) Strengthen STEM Advantage Scholars Program
Following the growth of the transfer and freshman programs, the number of students attending Southern campuses of CSU schools who are eligible to participate in the Scholars program will dramatically increase. In addition, the length of time over which STEM Advantage will be serving Scholars will lengthen, as the organization is committed to supporting them the entirety of their education through to employment in the fast-paced, ever-changing STEM and technology fields. All aspects of the Scholars Program will need to be bolstered to keep pace with the increased demands on the program.

2) Enhance Freshman STEM Career Pathways Program
STEM Advantage’s 2022 pilot program for freshman students proved true the old adage that the earlier a subject is introduced, the greater the chance it will be understood, embraced, and utilized by students. Going forward, STEM Advantage will increase the number of freshmen served in this program at each California State University campus where it operates. This will strengthen students’ career preparation to secure internships, as this program serves as a pipeline to the flagship Scholars program.

3) Expand Transfer-Focused STEM Career Pathways Program
California’s community college system provides an essential pathway for a diverse array of students seeking post-secondary higher education, by providing supportive academic, financial, and social structures which prepare them for more successful transitions to four-year institutions. Leveraging our experience launching a successful program utilizing two feeder community colleges to California State University, Los Angeles, STEM Advantage will establish and replicate the “double feeder” model at two community college campuses for each of the eight CSU campuses where it offers the STEM Advantage Scholars program. STEM Advantage will onboard four community colleges in each of the next two years and six community colleges in year three—for a total of 14 in all. Connecting with these students earlier in their educational journeys will strengthen the connection with the Career Programs team, enabling them to better prepare for their arrival.

Career Journey Sponsor - $525,000
Your investment supports 20 STEM Advantage Scholars for 4 ½ years from the start of their college journey as a freshman in the Freshmen STEM Career Pathways program or as a STEM major at a community college participating in our Transfer-focused STEM Career Pathways through earning a bachelor’s degree in a STEM major at a CSU campus and launching a STEM career.

Mentorship Program Sponsor - $200,000
Your investment supports the Mentorship program for two years, including pairing each STEM Advantage Scholar with a 1:1 mentor, who is a STEM professional, to serve as a role model and provide ongoing advice and coaching.

Campus Sponsor - $150,000
Your investment supports 20 STEM Advantage Scholars and 20 Freshmen for the STEM Career Pathways program at one (1) CSU campus for one year. Plus, the Transfer-focused STEM Career Pathways for 100 students at the two (2) primary feeder Community College campuses to the selected CSU campus.

Freshmen Program Sponsor - $100,000
Your investment supports the Freshmen STEM Career Pathways Program, including a dedicated Program Manager to oversee and grow the program across eight (8) CSU campuses for at least 200 freshmen, primarily women, Black, Latinx and first-generation college students from low-income families, provide exposure to STEM career opportunities, and drive persistence in a STEM major through Professional and Career Development, Mentoring Circles, and Community. This program is a pipeline to our STEM Advantage Scholars program.

Career Program Sponsor - $100,000
Your investment supports 1:1 Career Program support for 75 Scholars for one year, including resume reviews, interviewing skills, LinkedIn profile, career preparation to secure a paid internship and full-time job related to their major, conference preparation, certifications and enhanced learning opportunities, professional and career development workshops and STEM-related career panels.

Southern California - the Greater Los Angeles region, Orange County, and San Diego

Our President & Founder Lee Ann Kline would be happy to meet with you to discuss the STEM Advantage program, our impact, learnings, and strategic direction. Lee Ann may be reached directly at 949.322.3320 or leeann@stemadvantage.org, and through the Orange County Community Foundation’s donor and community engagement team.