Education United States Project #36183

Faces of STEM(TM)

by STEM Advantage

Project Report | Oct 4, 2022
100% graduation rate with persistence in a STEM major

By Lee Ann Kline | President & Founder, STEM Advantage

YOU are making a difference. Thanks to generous donors like YOU and our comprehensive program, that includes paid internships, 1-to-1 mentors, scholarships, professional and career development, and community, STEM Advantage Scholars have a 100% graduation rate with persistence in a STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) major.

Maria is one of many talented scholars in our program. Maria graduated in May with a B.S. in Computer Science from California State University Fullerton and joined KPMG as a Technology Risk Management Advisory Associate.

"I am incredibly grateful and lucky to have the support of STEM Advantage. I was only looking for a scholarship to afford my 5th year at CSUF as a recipient of the CA Dream Act, but thanks to this program I got the funds for it and so much more! As undocumented and first gen I didn't know the importance of a mentor or social networking. Thanks to STEM Advantage, their connections and support system, I got the support and push I needed to intern with Disney, graduate with honors (cum laude), and I get the opportunity to return from Europe to work with KPMG as a consultant."

Maria plans to stay actively engaged with STEM Advantage as part of our alumni program and help future students as a role model and mentor. If she can see it, she can be it! Congratulations Maria - we are incredibly proud of you!

Thank you for helping us serve many more talented women and underserved communities to realize their dreams. 72% of our scholars are first-generation college students from low-income families. We are grateful for your support.

Links:

STEM Advantage website

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Jun 6, 2022
Shining a light on STEM Advantage Scholars

By Lee Ann Kline | President & Founder, STEM Advantage

Thank you for making a difference. When you invest in the STEM Advantage program, your gift benefits the student ("STEM Advantage Scholar"), their family and community resulting in a generational impact with a clear path to address the gender and racial wealth gaps.

Meet Makayla, one of over 600 talented and inspiring Scholars in our program.

Makayla is earning a bachelor's degree in Computer Science at California State University, Dominguez Hills, in Carson, California.

"I grew up with a fascination for technology in all its rapid development of the 21st century. My first exposure began with video games. As a kid, not only was it endless fun, but I was also amazed at the graphics and how I could control the movements of objects on the screen. Alongside this, I was also interested in art, music, and anything that involved creativity.

Despite my interests, it didn’t occur to me that technology could be a career choice, and I didn't know what programming was. However, in my junior year of high school, I finally discovered the fascination and creativity behind computers in an introductory programming course. It wouldn’t be until my freshman year of college and choosing computer science as a major that I would see its possibilities.

Still unsure of what career paths lie ahead of me in pursuing my degree, I joined STEMAdvantage during the pandemic. From the support they have given me financially and academically, this program has done an extraordinary job in providing opportunities and assisting students to prepare for a career in the STEM industry. STEM Advantage has helped me acquire an internship during my sophomore year as a technical analyst with Accenture. During my time there, I gained valuable soft and technical skills, created meaningful connections, and overall learned what it was like to work in tech. This summer I have a Software Engineering internship at Microsoft.

I’ve had the benefit of speaking with amazing mentors who were supportive and provided advice throughout my career journey. I also really enjoy the workshops that are offered for students on professional development, resume and network building, and different career paths that help me develop the career I want to see.

All the hard work that goes into helping women and underserved communities excel in STEM is noteworthy and something that is essential in a system that has and still denies many people such opportunities. As a black woman, I stand on the shoulders of outstanding leaders who have made a difference and championed for change even when they weren’t given the recognition they deserved. I believe it is my purpose to uplift the unheard voices and to give back to those without access to pursue such opportunities. Through representation and support, we can be one step closer to changing the way we want to see the world, for the better. I am grateful to have this platform as a STEM Advantage scholar and will continue to keep working hard towards my goals."

Thank you again for investing in our program!

Links:

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Dec 21, 2021
Happy Holidays from STEM Advantage

By Lee Ann Kline | President & Founder

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