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STEM Pathway

Participants gain hands-on experience in world-class research environments while building technical, academic, and leadership skills. Through mentorship, exploration, and authentic scientific work, students develop confidence and a sense of belonging in STEM fields—particularly students historically underrepresented in science and technology careers.

STEM pathway at CCE

Hands-On Learning With World-Class Partners

Students in the STEM Pathway experience authentic scientific and engineering environments through partnerships with institutions such as:

  • Caltech
  • NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL)
  • SETI Institute
  • SEA Education
  • Biobus

By working alongside scientists, researchers, and engineers, students take part in solving real-world challenges while exploring potential career paths in STEM.

These immersive experiences help students:

  • Build technical and research skills
  • Strengthen communication and collaboration
  • Understand STEM career landscapes
  • Gain practical insight into high-demand fields

A Two-Phase Model That Builds Skills and Mentorship

CCE’s STEM Pathway unfolds in two phases, creating a layered learning and leadership model:

STEM pathway at CCE

Phase 1: Pre-Apprenticeship

(Early-College and Community College Students)

Pre-apprenticeship participants receive:

  • Foundational training in STEM disciplines
  • Career readiness preparation
  • Professional communication development
  • Exposure to lab environments, research methods, and STEM professions

This phase focuses on building essential skills and preparing students for deeper, project-based STEM experiences.

STEM pathway at CCE

Phase 2: Apprenticeship and Peer Mentorship

(Community College and Advanced Students)

In the second phase, pre-apprenticeship graduates become mentors for high school students entering the pathway.

These apprentices:

  • Support younger peers as they explore STEM
  • Lead hands-on activities, workshops, or research tasks
  • Strengthen their own leadership and teaching skills
  • Contribute to a growing, interconnected STEM learning community

This dual-track design builds both future scientists and future STEM educators, strengthening local STEM ecosystems.

Meeting National STEM Challenges

The CCE STEM Pathway addresses three significant challenges facing schools, communities, and the workforce:

  1. The shortage of qualified STEM educators
  2. The decline in STEM interest among young learners
  3. Limited access to hands-on, career-aligned STEM pathways for opportunity youth

By connecting students to meaningful STEM experiences and fostering community-based mentorship, the pathway expands access, strengthens confidence, and inspires long-term engagement.

STEM pathway at CCE

Impact and Outcomes

Graduates of the STEM Pathway often go on to:

  • Enroll in higher education programs in STEM fields
  • Pursue research opportunities
  • Explore careers in engineering, computing, environmental science, astronomy, and related areas
  • Continue mentoring peers and younger students

The pathway cultivates a community of learners who see themselves as:

  • Scientists and engineers
  • Educators and mentors
  • Problem-solvers and innovators
  • Equity-minded STEM leaders

Together, let’s build a brighter future for our communities through collaborative education.

Join Us in Making a Difference