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First in the Family. Future in STEM.

Helping First-Generation STEM Students Advance and Excel

Workshops, speaking, and consulting that equip institutions and empower students with a clear roadmap from enrollment to employment.

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Fast Track Your Future in STEM

Eight strategies. One clear roadmap.

First STEM Scholars is a practical, experience-backed guide helping first-generation and underrepresented students navigate every milestone — from academics to career launch. Because confidence in STEM shouldn't depend on who you know or where you come from.

Your seat at the table is waiting. Click below to join the waitlist for updates on the book release!

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Who We Serve

First STEM Scholars partners with institutions, educators, and students committed to strengthening first-generation STEM success.

Services for
Students

College Readiness

& Career Development Programs

First STEM Scholars provides culturally relative college readiness and career development workshops designed to empower students, especially first-generation, STEM-focused, and underserved students to confidently pursue college, careers, and leadership opportunities. Our programs equip students with the knowledge, tools, and networks needed to succeed academically and advance into meaningful professional pathways.

Available Workshops:

Empowering first-generation students to confidently navigate community college and career pathways.

This workshop introduces students to the community college system as a powerful and affordable pathway to transfer and career success. Students explore majors connected to real career opportunities, learn how to select the right academic program, and discover campus resources that support their success from day one.

Best for: High schools, continuation schools, and youth-serving organizations

Students will learn how to:

Explore majors and careers aligned with their interests
Understand the community college and transfer pathway
Identify key campus programs and student support services
Create an early college and career plan
Build confidence as future college students

Impact:

Students leave feeling informed, motivated, and empowered to take their first steps toward college.

Careers With Courage Program

Career and entrepreneurship pathways for undocumented students.

Description

This empowering workshop helps undocumented students understand how higher education can open doors to meaningful careers, leadership, and financial independence, regardless of immigration status. Students also learn how to leverage their talents to generate income through entrepreneurship, freelancing, and professional skill development.

Best for:

Undocumented students in high school, college, or university, as well as STEM students interested in monetizing their skills or starting a business.

Students will learn how to:

Navigate college and career options available to undocumented students
Identify scholarships, campus programs, and support networks
How to monetize their skills through entrepreneurship and freelance work
Explore internships and leadership development program designed for Undocu students

Impact:

Students gain clarity, confidence, and actionable strategies to pursue their academic and career goals.

First STEM Scholars Workshop

Helping STEM students unlock internships, scholarships, and career opportunities.

This high-energy workshop equips students with the tools needed to stand out academically and professionally in STEM fields. Students learn how to access competitive internships, build strong professional profiles, and develop networks that open doors to future opportunities.

Best for:

STEM students in high school, college, and university

Students will learn how to:

Find and apply for STEM internships and scholarships
Build a competitive résumé and LinkedIn profile
Develop networking and professional communication skills
Explore STEM career pathways and emerging opportunities
Position themselves for long-term career success

Impact:

Students leave with tangible tools, strategies, and confidence to advance their STEM careers.

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Services for Faculty & Institutions

Professional Development

& Institutional Training

We provide professional development workshops designed to equip counselors, faculty, and student support professionals with the tools, strategies, and resources needed to effectively support STEM students especially those from first-generation and historically underrepresented backgrounds. Our training integrates culturally responsive practices, practical advising strategies, and current STEM pathway knowledge to strengthen institutional capacity and improve student success outcomes.

Community College STEM Cohort Training

Empowering counselors and educators to guide the next generation of STEM students.

This training provides culturally responsive guidance for community college counselors and student support professionals. Participants learn how to develop effective STEM education plans, access transfer and career resources, and strengthen advising practices to better support their students.

Best for:

Community college counselors, advisors, faculty, and student support staff

Participants will learn how to:

Develop comprehensive, transfer-ready STEM education plans
Apply culturally responsive advising strategies
Identify internships, scholarships, and research opportunities
Access professional development opportunities within the STEM ecosystem
Strengthen advising practices to improve STEM student retention and success

Impact:

Participants leave with actionable tools, expanded professional networks, and increased confidence in supporting STEM student pathways.

Early Preparation for Medical School: Community Counselors Training

Description:

This workshop outlines the key steps community college students should focus on during their first and second year as they prepare for a pre-med pathway. It highlights which general education and prerequisite courses align with MCAT readiness and how students can build strong study habits early. Counselors gain a clear timeline for academics, MCAT preparation, and extracurricular involvement, along with practical strategies to help students build competitive medical school applications.

Best for:

Community college counselors, advisors, faculty, and student support staff

Participants will learn how to:

Navigate advising considerations, including AP credit policies, academic renewal, withdrawals (EWs), and course sequencing
Advise students on building strong academic foundations and effective study strategies
Guide students in gaining clinical, research, volunteer, and leadership experiences
Understand what makes applicants competitive for medical and health professional schools
Access essential pre-med resources, conferences, and STEM career exploration tools

Impact:

Participants gain the knowledge and tools to support students in building strong academic foundations, strategically navigating the pre-med pathway, and developing competitive applications

Available Workshops:

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“Let the next generation surpass us..not in money, but in knowledge, passion, and meaningful careers.”

-Paty Villegas

Free Resource for Faculty and Counselors: Support Your STEM Students with Clarity and Strategy

Download the STEM Student Success Intake Toolkit. A free resource designed to help you go beyond surface-level advising and step into more strategic, impactful conversations with your students.

This free STEM Student Success Intake Toolkit equips counselors, advisors, and support staff with a structured approach to guide meaningful conversations, align academic goals, and proactively support student success.

Inside, you’ll find a guided intake form with built-in prompts, risk indicators, and advising strategies to help you serve your students with greater confidence and impact.

Download your copy and start strengthening your student support process today.

Get It Now!

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Tobias Nava

EOPS Counselor

Foothill College

It was thorough and provided an excellent guide for counselors to follow, along with a practical checklist for working with STEM students.

Francesca Mauricio
MESA Counselor
Foothill College

Overall, her session was engaging, informative, and incredibly useful, it left me feeling better equipped and more inspired to refine my approach in working with STEM students.

Marissa Giovannoni,

MESA Counselor at Yuba College and Sierra College

Her insights were not only informative but immediately applicable, making it easier for us as educators to better guide and support our students.

Bring First STEM Scholars to Your Campus

Partner with us to equip your students and strengthen your institution’s STEM success outcomes.

Request a Workshop

Helping First-Generation STEM Students Advance and Excel