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HSI STEM Éxito
The STEM Éxito program is a U.S. Department of Education funded Title V Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) grant dedicated to fostering success and completion in STEM fields for students, particularly those from Hispanic and low-income backgrounds. Our mission is to create a supportive and structured environment that guides students through their academic journey in STEM, ensuring they have the resources and support needed to succeed. Our programs and initiatives center Latinidad and cultura to provide culturally-responsive STEM pathways, integrated support services, and improved teaching practices, we aim to empower students to achieve their academic sueños (goals) and prepare them for successful careers in STEM industries.
Recently awarded the 2025 Insight Into Academia Inspiring Programs in STEM Award.
The Inspiring Programs in STEM Award recognizes impactful programs that support historically excluded students in science, tech, engineering, and math — from K–12 pipelines to college retention and career readiness.
STEM COUNSELOR
Claudia Cuz- Flores
Location: S6-112E
Schedule your counseling appointments with our STEM Éxito Counselor:
What do our STEM counselors offer:
- Academic Advising
- Educational plan 1hr. Appt
- Financial aid, Scholarships, Budgeting
- General Career Advising
- Help with finding a REU/Internship
- Transfer Assistance
- Other Reasons (not listed)
ÉXITO SCHOLARS COMUNIDAD
Supporting Latina/o Students in STEM
The Éxito Scholars Comunidad is a vibrant and supportive initiative designed specifically for Latina/o students pursuing degrees in STEM fields. “Éxito” means success—and that’s what we’re here to build, together.
This comunidad (community) creates space for students to feel seen, supported, and empowered as they navigate their academic and professional journeys. Our culturally-responsive approach recognizes and celebrates the lived experiences, values, and strengths Latina/o students bring to STEM.
Who Can Join?
To participate, students must:
- Identify as Latina/o or Latinx
- Be pursuing a major in a STEM field
Whether you're a first-year student or nearing graduation, if you're seeking a sense of belonging and encouragement from people who share your cultural and academic journey, this community is for you.
What We Offer
- Culturally-Responsive Mentoring from faculty, staff, and peers
- Workshops & Events that center Latina/o identity in STEM success
- Dedicated STEM Counselor to support with your academic and transfer goals
- Community Building through shared experiences, meals, and celebrations
- Leadership Opportunities to grow and give back within the STEM and Latina/o communities
How to Get Involved
Ready to join the comunidad? Click here to sign up or express interest
You’ll be added to our email list for event invitations, scholarship alerts, and mentoring opportunities.
Together, we’re creating pathways for STEM excellence, leadership, and cultural pride. ¡Vamos por el éxito!
STEM FACULTY STUDENT MENTOR PROGRAM
Coordinator: Leslie Marovich
Email: lmarovic@sdccd.edu
Are you looking to get more out of your STEM experience? Whether you're navigating your first year or planning your next big step after graduation, our STEM Faculty Student Mentor Program is here to help you succeed.
Connect. Learn. Grow.
The program pairs students with experienced and passionate faculty mentors from STEM departments who are eager to support your academic, professional, and personal development. Mentors provide:
- Guidance on research opportunities
- Advice on career paths and graduate school planning
- Insight into internships, scholarships, and networking opportunities
- Encouragement and support in navigating the challenges of STEM majors and careers
Who Can Join?
All STEM students are welcome—whether you're just starting out or preparing for your next chapter, there's a mentor ready to support you.
How to Sign Up
Joining is easy!
Click here to complete the Student Interest Form
Once submitted, we’ll match you with a faculty mentor based on your interests, goals, and availability.
RESEARCH & INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Coordinator: Jae Calanog
Email: jcalanog@sdccd.edu
Looking to take your STEM education beyond the classroom? Our Research & Internship Opportunities page is your gateway to hands-on experience, professional growth, and academic exploration.
Explore. Apply. Achieve.
We support students in discovering and applying for internships, research programs, and other experiential learning opportunities—both on and off campus. Whether you're interested in summer research, national labs, or industry internships, we’re here to help you every step of the way.
What We Offer
- Workshops and Info Sessions: Learn how to find and apply for competitive internships and research programs through interactive events and expert-led sessions.
- Application Support: Get help refining your resume, writing personal statements, and preparing for interviews.
- Program Spotlights: We regularly feature opportunities such as NSF REUs (Research Experiences for Undergraduates), industry internships, and campus-based research with STEM faculty.
Signature Events
- PASS (Pathway for STEM Success): A summer research opportunity program where STEM student conduct research under the mentorship of our STEM faculty. Check out previous research projects: https://sites.google.com/view/sdmiramarpathwaytostemsuccess/home
- PRESS (Preparing for Research Experience and STEM Summer Programs): Create and present your research poster at our PRESS poster session.
Get Started
Check out our ACP Canvas Page for announcements on how to get involved in these opportunities. Click here to join!
BRIDGE TO COLLEGE PROGRAM
Coordinator: Kimberley Teston-Fierro
Email: ktestonfierro@sdccd.edu
The STEM Exito Bridge to College Program helps facilitate and bridge the transition from high school to college for Latinx STEM students. We do this through a summer bridge program to help onboard new students and a peer mentor program to facilitate on-going support during the first year of college.
For more information, please contact miramarstemexito@sdccd.edu
PEER LEAD TEAM LEARNING
The goal of Peer-Led Team Learning (PLTL) is to help STEM students succeed in core STEM gateway courses to persist in their pathways to completion and transfer.
Core STEM gateway courses consist of:
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Physics 195
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Biology 107, 210A
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Chemistry 152, 200
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Math 104, 116, 119, 141, 150
Where can I find tutoring?
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Math Lab (Location: M-210)
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Academic Success Center (ASC) (Location: L-101)
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STEM Center (S6-110)
STEM Center
The STEM Center is a collaborative space for you to stop by and engage with peers, access resources and tutoring, work on projects, and receive academic support in science, technology, engineering, and math. Whether you need help with coursework, want to participate in workshops, or just need a place to study, the STEM Center is here to support your success.
Faculty Professional Development
Coordinator: Anne Gloag
Email: agloag@sdccd.edu
The mission of faculty professional development is to help faculty grow and develop their pedagogical expertise to better support Latinx and low-income students in their classroom. Our goal is to engage 30 STEM faculty in HSI-focused professional development every academic year.
Contact Anne Gloag to get involved in faculty professional development agloag@sdccd.edu
https://sdccd.instructure.com/enroll/CD8B3R