The STEM Core Fast Track to Hi-Tech Careers: A Multi-Year Roadmap to Diversity in Engineering
In the rapidly evolving landscape of technology and innovation, diversity remains a critical factor in driving creativity, problem-solving, and growth. Yet, despite decades of effort, many high-paying engineering careers remain out of reach for Opportunity Youth in underrepresented groups. The STEM Core Fast-Track to Hi-Tech Careers, developed
by Growth Sector, is a transformative initiative designed to address this issue head-on. By offering a comprehensive, multi-year, year-round pathway, this program guides students from entry into community college to the attainment of a Bachelor of Science degree through high-paying work apprenticeships that ultimately lead to in-demand employment in a high-tech industry. This program is a direct response to the systemic barriers that have historically excluded underrepresented and disadvantaged students from engineering, mathematics, and other STEM-related fields.
Growth Sector is Addressing Underrepresentation in Hi-Tech Fields
The underrepresentation of disadvantaged groups in engineering and technology is not merely a social issue; it is a missed opportunity for innovation and economic growth. Engineering, a field that thrives on diverse perspectives and problem-solving approaches, suffers when a significant portion of the next generation is excluded. Despite the increasing demand for engineers in the workforce, particularly in high-paying sectors like aerospace, computer science, and manufacturing, the pathway to these careers is often fraught with barriers that disproportionately affect minority and low-income students. These include limited access to quality education, lack of awareness about opportunities, financial constraints, and a significant lack of role models and mentors in the field, both men and women who mirror the wide diversity of our students.
The STEM Core Initiative: A Bridge to Opportunity
Growth Sector’s STEM Core initiative is a pioneering effort designed to dismantle these barriers and create a clear, supportive pathway for community college students to enter and succeed in hi-tech fields. The program has a Bridge component that ensures students have the academic preparation needed to succeed in more advanced coursework. This is particularly crucial for those who may not have had access to rigorous STEM education in high school. STEM Core is a structured curriculum that has community college students transferring into a four-year college or university to earn a Bachelor of Science degree. The STEM Core curriculum is designed in collaboration with industry leaders to ensure that students are learning the skills that are most in demand in the workforce; and it emphasizes both the academic and practical aspects of the highly evolving world of technology. This alignment with industry partners is a hallmark of the program, as it ensures that students are not only prepared to complete their degrees but also to step directly into high-paying, high-demand technical and engineering roles upon graduation.
Hands-On Experience Through Internships and Apprenticeships
A key feature of the STEM Core Fast-Track to Hi-Tech Careers is its emphasis on experiential learning. Recognizing that classroom instruction alone is insufficient to prepare students for the ever-evolving and challenging technology industry, Growth Sector has partnered with industry giants such as NASA, Tesla, Northrop Grumman, and National Laboratories including Livermore, Berkeley, Sandia to offer paid internships and paid apprenticeships. These partnerships provide students with invaluable hands-on experience, allowing them to apply their academic knowledge in real-world settings and gain insight into the day-to-day realities of a career in engineering, mathematics, and science.
Caz Pereira, Co-Director of Growth Sector defines the larger endeavor as, “Bringing diversity into STEM fields in both the classroom and the workplace is at the heart of Growth Sector’s mission.” Regarding these apprenticeships, he says, “this exciting new apprenticeship pathway will inspire more and more diverse California students to pursue
four-year STEM degrees and build long, rewarding careers in the fields of science, technology and transforming our world.”
These apprenticeships and internships are more than just resume-builders; they are integral components of the STEM Core pathway. Growth Sector connects students to high-paying apprenticeships in STEM industries while providing support and resources both on campus and in the workplace. This dual focus on academics and work experience helps to reinforce the skills learned in the classroom and ensures that students are well-prepared for the transition to full-time employment after graduation. And at that point, they are already positioned within these companies to begin their careers.
“It’s a great program that maximizes the resources available to you. There’s things like extra tutoring … There’s incredible scholarship and internship opportunities … There’s amazing workshops and guest speakers.” Anthony – Student
Support Every Step of the Way
One of the most innovative aspects of the STEM Core Fast-Track to Hi-Tech Careers is the level of support provided to students throughout their journey. Recognizing that many students face challenges beyond academics, Growth Sector trains Student Support Specialists who provide one-on-one academic and occupational support. These specialists are deeply involved in every aspect of the student’s journey, from helping them select the right courses, to preparing for job interviews and navigating workplace dynamics during internships. This comprehensive support system is particularly important for students who may be the first in their families to attend college or pursue a career in STEM. By providing personalized guidance and mentorship, Growth Sector helps to ensure that students not only enter the pathway but also stay on track and achieve their goals.
“This program is awesome. It’ll help you develop into the student you want to be. Not only do they provide you with the textbooks you’ll need for the semester, they also provide personal counseling. The advisors are great. They’re always there for you whenever you need them.” Yanette – Student
A Proven Track Record of Success
Since its inception, Growth Sector’s STEM Core initiative has made a significant impact on the lives of thousands of community college students. In just the past six years, the program has provided more than 3,300 students with long-term pathways to Associate Degrees, Bachelor Degrees, and careers with some of the leading companies in aerospace, engineering, computer science, and manufacturing. Moreover, the program has facilitated over 800 paid internships, offering students the financial support and work experience needed to succeed. The success of the STEM Core initiative is a testament to the effectiveness of its approach. By providing a clear and supported pathway, Growth Sector has been able to help students overcome the barriers that have traditionally kept them out of STEM fields. The program’s focus on experiential learning, industry partnerships, and comprehensive support has proven to be a winning formula, enabling students to achieve their academic and career goals.
“There aren’t enough good things I can say about the STEM program. The advisors are so caring and supportive. They’re constantly checking in to make sure we’re doing well and everything’s going smoothly.” Lindsey – Student
Expanding the Model Nationwide
Growth Sector is currently operating in five states and is working to extend their unique model nationwide. The STEM Core National Network provides the means to recruit students locally, regionally, and across the country, ensuring that more students have access to this transformative pathway. As Growth Sector continues to expand its reach, the organization remains committed to its mission of fostering a culture of innovation and excellence in STEM education. By equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and experiences they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world, Growth Sector is not only helping to diversify the engineering workforce but also contributing to the broader goal of creating a more equitable and inclusive society.
How It Adds Up
The STEM Core Fast-Track to Hi-Tech Careers is more than just an educational program; it is a lifeline for underrepresented and disadvantaged students who aspire to careers in engineering. By providing a clear and accessible pathway from community college to a Bachelor of Science degree and beyond, Growth Sector is helping to level the playing field and ensure that all students, regardless of their background, have the opportunity to succeed in high-paying, high-demand STEM careers. In a world where the need for technical talent continues to grow, initiatives like the STEM Core are not just important—they are essential. By addressing the systemic barriers that have historically excluded under-served students from STEM fields, Growth Sector is helping to create a more diverse, innovative, and prosperous future for all.
