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 driven and talented and we believe that they thrive within a culturally nourishing, supportive mentoring community.
Success is more than academics. It’s about being in a space where they can feel understood, confident, and show up as their authentic selves. Recognizing their unique backgrounds and the assets scholars bring, we’re committed to offering support tailored to their unique paths, empowering them to grow as both individuals and STEM professionals.
OUR DNA
Equity and Inclusion
Embracing the diverse needs of scholars to ensure that each individual is equipped to overcome obstacles and use their unique backgrounds to drive meaningful change in their fields.
Community
Creating a collaborative network through partnerships with community organizations, we empower scholars to pursue STEM careers with confidence, benefiting students, the community, and the university.
Holistic Growth
Nurturing scholars both academically and personally, ensuring they develop the skills and self-assurance to become changemakers in STEM and beyond.
16
S
32.065
Scholarship that covers financial need
53
I
126.90
Internship opportunities
17
Cl
35.453
access to special Classes
75
Re
186.21
career Readiness
6
C
12.011
Conferences
34
Se
78.960
Summer Enrichmet & programming
38
Sr
87.620
Summer Research
7
N
14.007
Networking
58
Ce
140.12
Community building Events
9
F
18.998
close mentoring by
STEM Faculty
Building Blocks of Success
a look into what the scholarship offers.
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!
Leadership Team
Dr. Perla Myers
Executive Director, Jacobs Institute for Innovation in Education & Professor, Mathematics
Dr. Carla Penha Vasconcelos
Research Associate & AnchorSTEM Project Manager
Daniela Rodriguez
AnchorSTEM Project Manager
External Advisory Board
Kevin Pelaez
Data Scientist, Duo Security
USD S-STEM Alumnus
William Yslas Velez
University of Arizona
Nicole Weekes
Pomona College
Internal Advisory Board
John Loggins
The Mulvaney Center, CASA
Pauline Powell
College Dean's Office
Sou Fang
Upward Bound
Dr. Ramiro Frausto
Institute of College Initiatives
Faculty Mentors
Dr. Anthony Bell
Associate Professor,
Chemistry & Biochemistry
Dr. Jessica Bell
Chair & Associate Professor,
Chemistry & Biochemistry
Dr. Ellis Bell
Associate Professor,
Chemistry and Biochemistry
Dr. Carla Bonilla
Associate Professor,
Biology
Dr. Debbie Finocchio
Associate Core Director,
Adjunct Assistant Professor,
Chemistry & Biochemistry
Dr. Paulina Diaz-Montiel
Associate Professor,
Engineering
Dr. Jena Hales
Associate Professor,
Behavioral Neuroscience
Dr. Arietta
Fleming-Davies
Associate Professor,
Biology
Dr. Jenny Olsen
Associate Professor,
Computer Science
Dr. Jennifer Wenzel
Assistant Professor,
Behavioral Neurosciences
Dr. Wilnelia Recart Gonzalez
Assistant Professor,
Biology
Dr. Zhi-Yong Yin
Professor, Environmental &
Ocean Sciences
Dr. Melissa Gibbons
Assistant Professor,
Engineering
Dr. Ted Dezen
Associate Professor,
Physics & Biophysics
Dr. Susan Lord
Chair & Professor,
Integrated Engineering
Dr. Jennifer Prairie
Associate Professor,
Environmental & Ocean Sciences
Dr. Kate Boersma
Associate Professor, Biology
Dr. Marisa Forbes
Assistant Professor,
Mechanical Engineering
Dr. Tawni Paradise
Adjunct Assistant Professor
Our community in action
Dr. Debbie Finocchio speaking with scholar Gilberto Esquer
I am honored to work on a project that fosters positive social change in the lives of underrepresented students and communities. AnchorSTEM is a social justice project that amplifies the presence and legitimacy of diverse bodies, voices, and experiences in the STEM field.
Carla Penha Vasconcelos, AnchorSTEM Project Manager
Dr. Amanda Ruiz speaking at the AnchorSTEM Appreciation Event 2024
AnchorSTEM staff and team members at the Appreciation Event 2023
AnchorSTEM staff and mentors at a Community of Practice meeting learning ways to best support and prepare for our scholars
I find it so rewarding to see students develop supportive relationships with each other, and bond as a community, then grow and reach their goals as they mature as college students. Helping them through difficult times to witness their amazing accomplishments is incredible!
Amanda Ruiz, Co-Principal Investigator
AnchorSTEM is one of those rare opportunities to elevate other voices; celebrate and encourage inclusion in STEM, and do so working alongside some of the most talented and delightful faculty, staff, and students I have ever met.
Drew Talley, Leadership Team
Staff and mentors engaging in conversations to digest the information and share ideas with each other.
Empowering Scholars Together
Our program thrives through the strong partnerships with pre-college community organizations, working together to create a lasting, reciprocal mechanism that supports the recruitment, retention, and success of local "Rising Stars" in Mathematics, Engineering, and Science.
These partnerships establish a robust pipeline that guides students from early education into higher education, ensuring their long-term growth in STEM fields. Together, we are building a connected network that strengthens the local STEM community and ensures long-term student success.
Community Models
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
Partnerting Organizations
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