Faces of STEM(TM)

Dear donors,

Thank you for investing in STEM Advantage Scholars. We are grateful for your support.

2024 has been a busy time with a focus on professional and career development workshops and panels to help our scholars, primarily first-generation college students from lower-income families, prepare for, gain confidence, and launch careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Sharing a few highlights.

We appreciate our corporate partners that host in-person events at their offices to deliver relevant and timely content to support our scholars and provide opportunities for students to meet each other and STEM professionals to build community, belonging, and their network. A few examples:

• Microsoft graciously hosted an AI (artificial intelligence) Briefing and Networking event, plus lunch and a tour, at their Irvine (California) Technology Center. 
• Reddit hosted a panel engaging scholars in discussions covering AI, strategies for overcoming imposter syndrome, technical interviewing skills, and navigating the job market as first-generation professionals. After a hosted lunch and networking, scholars met with the panelists in small groups for in-depth discussions.
• Women in Technology Hollywood, Universal Studios Hollywood, and Qvest hosted an event for our female and nonbinary scholars, alumnae, mentors and other STEM professionals in our network to celebrate Women's History Month at Universal Studios Hollywood. Evening featured an inspirational panel "Finding Your Voice - how to contribute impactfully at work" and networking.
• Deloitte hosted a professional and career development workshop and networking event for our scholars to celebrate the end of finals, graduation, and the start of summer. Deloitte professionals discussed consulting careers, how they see Generative AI affecting early career roles, and how some companies are using AI in their work. They conducted mock interviews using commonly asked questions students can expect in an interview and how to respond authentically. This lays the foundation for students to practice interviewing skills this summer during our Virtual Career Summer Program and with their mentor. This was a wonderful opportunity for students to meet each other and Deloitte professionals, build friendships and their network.
• Over 20 corporate partners participated on career panels, e.g., STEM Careers in Aerospace, STEM Careers in Media & Entertainment, and STEM Careers in Engineering companies. 

Thanks to your support, over 150 STEM Advantage Scholars celebrated a significant achievement in May - earning a bachelor's degree! We are incredibly proud of these talented students, who are primarily first-generation college students from lower-income families. This testament to their hard work, grit, and determination is a celebration for the new grads as well as their family and friends. We are excited to follow their amazing accomplishments as they realize their full potential. Plus, they are role models and will inspire siblings and young people in their community to pursue their dreams. 

"STEM Advantage has given me wonderful support in transitioning from an engineering student to a working engineer. From excellent mentoring, resume assistance, and warm and honest conversations with STEM staff, I am so honored and thankful to be accepted as a scholar. I greatly look forward to my future as an engineer and to becoming a mentor myself one day for the organization. Thank you for everything!" - Lauren

Thank you again for making a difference and investing in talented students.