Mission
To sustain and strengthen partnerships with pre-college serving community organizations to establish a reciprocal, ongoing mechanism to support the retention, graduation and success in Mathematics, Engineering and Science of local Rising Stars.
What motivates us
Our scholars are talented and motivated, and we believe they thrive in a supportive mentoring community.
Success goes beyond academics—it’s about feeling understood, building confidence, and embracing one's authentic self. We recognize the unique backgrounds and strengths our scholars bring and are committed to providing support tailored to their individual paths. This approach empowers them to grow both personally and professionally in STEM.
Meet our amazing team!
At AnchorSTEM, our dedicated leadership, mentors, staff, and community partners work together to empower our scholars. Their passion and commitment are the driving forces behind our scholars!
Dr. Odesma Dalrymple
Associate Professor, Industrial
& Systems Engineering
Dr. Perla Myers
Executive Director, Jacobs Institute for Innovation in Education & Professor, Mathematics
Dr. Carla Penha Vasconcelos
Research Associate & AnchorSTEM Project Manager
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Daniela Rodriguez
Research Professional & AnchorSTEM Project Coordinator
Creating Pathways Together
Our program flourishes through strong collaborations with pre-college community organizations, working hand-in-hand to build a lasting, mutually beneficial system that supports the recruitment, retention, and success of local "Rising Stars" in Mathematics, Engineering, and Science.
These partnerships establish a seamless pipeline that guides students from early education to higher education, fostering their long-term growth in STEM fields. Together, we are cultivating a connected network that strengthens the local STEM community and ensures enduring student success.
Our Model
Illustrates the interconnected support between community, college, and career, working together to drive student success.
Shows the unique strengths of our community partner programs and the synergies created through our collaborative goals and initiatives.
Hear from our Community Partners
One of my AnchorSTEM rising stars was also a Questbridge Finalist...a nationally prestigious scholarship program...to the most selective schools in the nation. My student chose to attend USD...because he saw...something more than a financial award. AnchorSTEM is a holistic program that will provide research opportunities that attend to his intellectual and spiritual growth.
Chris White
High Tech High
It’s crucial for programs like AnchorSTEM to focus on underrepresented communities because diversity drives innovation. By empowering students from these backgrounds, we not only open doors to new opportunities but also enrich STEM fields with unique perspectives that lead to more creative, inclusive solutions to global challenges.
Carolina Barraza
Ocean Discovery Institute
I love to see the work and support AnchorSTEM has offered to my college students. I have seen their confidence grow because they have been exposed to so many opportunities. It has also made it possible for them to continue their education with the help of the generous AnchorSTEM scholarship program.
Xochitl Alvarez
Nativity Prep
Partnering Organizations
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