The San Diego Foundation Announces Grants to Expand Pipeline of Underserved Youth and Create Equity in STEM

For Immediate Release

January 8, 2020 – San Diego, CA – The San Diego Foundation today announced the availability of grant funding that will create more opportunities for students, particularly from underserved communities, pursuing STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) degrees and careers.

The San Diego economy is at an important tipping point that will impact the future of the entire region. As the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation (EDC) outlined in its report, Building San Diego’s Talent Pipeline, the evolution of the innovation economy has presented new opportunities, as well as challenges, for the workforce.

Most notably, the benefits of the innovation economy are not reaching all San Diegans. As the EDC report shows, Latino and Black communities are greatly underrepresented in San Diego’s highest paying industries and occupations.

By increasing access to STEM education and internship opportunities for those most underrepresented in the field, The San Diego Foundation aims to create a holistic approach that will build and expand pathways to success for all San Diegans, strengthen equity in the region and support the innovation economy for generations to come.

The 2020-2021 Science and Technology Program grant cycle will invest in organizations that are connecting young adults with academic opportunities and hands-on experiences in STEM. Grant awards are expected to range from $25,000 – $75,000 and Letter of Intent applications are due by February 24, 2020.

For more information about The San Diego Foundation Science & Technology Program, or to submit a Letter of Intent for the current grant cycle, visit SDFoundation.org/STEM.