STEM ADVANTAGE
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Mission Statement
Talent is equally distributed, but opportunity is not. STEM Advantage mentors, prepares and inspires women and underserved communities to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) through paid internships, mentors, scholarships, professional and career development, and community. We help “level the playing field” to provide economic and social mobility to underserved groups, while providing a vetted pipeline of diverse talent to businesses. In 2021, the Los Angeles Business Journal honored STEM Advantage as Diversity, Inclusion + Equity Nonprofit of the Year.
About This Cause
Talent is equally distributed, but opportunity is not. STEM Advantage, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2012, mentors, prepares, and inspires women and underserved communities for careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fostering economic and social mobility, while providing a vetted pipeline of diverse talent to businesses to fill their workforce needs. Our vision is a diverse, equitable, and inclusive skilled workforce. We “level the playing field” by empowering talented students, primarily first-generation college students from low-income families, with access to networks, employment, and economic mobility that is overwhelmingly limited to students attending elite universities. STEM Advantage Scholars say our program is “life-changing” as we empower women and students of color with a virtuous cycle: 1) Preparing women and underserved communities for STEM jobs, which pay more, on average, than non-STEM jobs. 2) STEM Advantage Scholars earn $75,000 average starting salary, a sustainable middle-class living wage (400% increase over pre-program salary). They can save, 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 of going to college like many children raised in middle- and upper-class families. 5) This results in a generational impact and clear path to address the gender and racial wealth gaps creating financial security and stability for families and redefining the narrative. Our holistic program for STEM Advantage Scholars includes: • Paid internships to help students gain real-world experience, • 1-to-1 Mentors to provide a role model, support, guidance, and coaching, • Scholarships to attend classes full-time and graduate with less student debt, • Professional and career development to prepare for their job search, and • Community to provide a sense of belonging, support, and opportunities to build their network. We offer our program to students earning a bachelor’s degree in a STEM field at eight California State University campuses in Southern California, including the greater Los Angeles region, Orange County, and San Diego. The CSU is the nation’s largest and most ethnically diverse 4-year public university system. Our Freshmen STEM Career Pathways program engages first-year college students, especially women, Black and Latinx students, provides exposure to STEM career opportunities, drives persistence in a STEM major, and is a pipeline to our Scholars program. Our new Transfer-focused STEM Career Pathways program launched at two California Community Colleges to help students understand career opportunities in a STEM field and paths to economic mobility, and increase the transfer rate to a 4-year university to earn a bachelor’s degree. Our program extends beyond graduation by supporting alumni with a network of corporate leaders and career development opportunities to help advance their careers. Partnerships and a collective impact model are key to our success. Leading companies, including Accenture, Deloitte, Farmers, Google, Qualcomm, and Sony Pictures Entertainment, sponsor programs, provide internships and mentors, and hire graduates. Professional and industry organization partners include Southern California Society for Information Management and Women in Technology Hollywood. Why serve college students? Education helps young people realize their full potential and a bachelor’s degree is the surest path to the middle class. 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. Why focus on STEM? The lack of diversity in STEM professions is well documented. Latinx individuals make up 16% of the total US workforce, yet only 7% of the STEM workforce. Women make-up nearly 50% of the workforce nationwide, yet only 24% of the STEM workforce. 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. Impact “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 • 100% of STEM Advantage Scholars have graduated with a bachelor’s degree in a STEM major • $75,000 average starting salary, a middle-class, sustainable living wage • 87% students of color • 72% first-generation college-students from low-income families • 52% women • Over $2.3 million in scholarships awarded Video URL https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VHy9ttTtfx4 Honors include: - Los Angeles Business Journal: Diversity, Inclusion + Equity Nonprofit of the Year - Los Angeles Business Journal: Nonprofit Team of the Year - Women in Technology| Hollywood: Charity Leadership Partner - Society for Information Management: Non-Profit Partner Award - EY Global Winner: Better Begins With You. Top award in category of Strengthening Our Communities