Fullerton College Secures $4M in Samueli Foundation Grants to Boost STEM Initiatives
Four institutions, Fullerton College, Irvine Valley College, Orange Coast College and California State University Fullerton, are receiving a total of $12M to increase the number of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) students successfully transferring from community colleges to four-year universities and increase the STEM graduation rate at Cal State Fullerton. This funding allows the selected community colleges and Cal State Fullerton to expand access to research, advising, peer mentorship and internships by targeting students who may need more financial support to complete STEM degrees and pursue STEM careers. Of the $12M, Fullerton College secured $3M to expand research, internship and mentoring opportunities for its STEM transfer students.
In addition, these four institutions are forming the Orange County STEM Regional Collaboration, with a three-year, $4M funding initiative. The project recognizes that successful STEM transfer depends on a well-coordinated ecosystem and brings together community colleges and the university to reduce barriers, strengthen pathways and expand opportunities for students pursuing STEM degrees. This project will enable the institutions to leverage shared resources and expertise to amplify impact, foster student belonging and cultivate the next generation of STEM leaders across the region. Of the $4M initiative, Fullerton College will receive $1M over the next three years.
“We are overjoyed to be included in this momentous investment by the Samueli Foundation to provide our students and community with this transformative opportunity to open doors to even more opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math at Fullerton College,” said Fullerton College President Dr. Cynthia Olivo.
In total, Fullerton College is set to receive $4M from the Samueli Foundation over the next three years. The funds will work to ensure the following STEM initiatives at Fullerton College:
- Sustain and expand staffing for the STEM Center, including onboarding a full-time program coordinator and trained peer mentors.
- Fund supplemental instruction, a career preparation workshop, peer-led tutoring and STEM-specific academic advising.
- Upgrade lab and tutoring equipment and broaden access to STEM software, including the launch of a drone technology course and a criminal justice and biotech sector.
The projected impact for these funds is monumental, predicting a 15% increase in STEM enrollment, doubling student participation in research and internships and improving STEM transfer rates to California State University and University of California campuses by 20%.
An institution that serves a majority of historically marginalized groups, Fullerton College looks forward to boosting transfer rates, social mobility and more. By assisting students who might otherwise lack the financial means to complete STEM degrees and pursue STEM careers, Fullerton College poises itself as a helping hand to ensure students meet their goals.
About the Samueli Foundation
The Foundation invests in education to strengthen community well-being and expand access to opportunity. By partnering with local colleges, the Foundation boosts the region’s workforce pipeline and advances its mission to improve well-being for all.
