Stem Advantage

Advancing gender and racial equity through education and career development

1) 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. 2) Enhance Freshman 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) 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.