STEAM-TO-CAREERS
Expanding Opportunities
Through Career Readiness
STEAM-to-Careers
STEAM-to-Careers is an after-school program designed to expose students in historically disinvested communities to high-paying, in-demand careers in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM). United Way of San Diego County (UWSD) created STEAM-to-Careers in response to the growing need for STEAM talent in our region. In fact, the United States Chamber of Commerce tracks growth in STEM occupations at 24%, and these occupations provide a realistic opportunity to earn a living wage in a region with one of the highest costs of living in the nation.
339
students from Lincoln High School and Escondido High School have attended after-school programming since the program’s start.
97
students in total have participated in our Dream with STEAM career exploration.
$106,900
in educational awards have been distributed to students since the start of the program.
Exposing Students to STEAM Careers
STEAM-to-Careers, an after-school high school career exposure program led by STEAM industry experts, guides students on curated tracks in computer science, engineering, media arts production, healthcare, and more. Students at partner schools can engage in hands-on activities and projects, and connect with experts from local STEAM-based organizations. Since the program’s launch in 2023, we’ve provided students with the tools and skills to help them transition from school to work and discover a career path they are passionate about.
Dream With STEAM
Dream with STEAM is a summer career exploration cohort that is an extension of the STEAM-to-Careers after-school program. During Dream with STEAM, students are provided with college and career preparation including a resume-building workshop and the opportunity to visit different companies throughout San Diego County to learn about STEAM-focused career opportunities. In its pilot year, students were able to visit businesses across various sectors such as Kura Oncology, Taylor Guitars, Rady Children’s Hospital, the San Diego Zoo, Safari Park, Dr. Bronner’s, and more! The program introduces students to career paths they may have never considered and broadens their professional network by connecting them with STEAM professionals at local companies. Graduates of the program depart with newfound interests and aspirations for their professional futures.
Student Stories
The STEAM-to-Careers program introduced students to fresh career avenues, sparking their curiosity in previously undiscovered professional paths!
Angel's Story Hailing from Southeast San Diego, Angel's journey began at Lincoln High School, where the STEAM-to-Careers after-school program ignited his passion for science and construction. Despite his innate talent, Angel initially struggled to see a career path in his interests. However, through STEAM-to-Careers, he explored local businesses, envisioning a future where his love for robotics and engineering could thrive while remaining close to his roots. Grateful for the program's eye-opening experiences, Angel is now a freshman at San Diego State University, delving into engineering—an ambition he never imagined before. With an internship at Solar Turbines underway, Angel eagerly anticipates his graduation, where he'll step into the role of a full-fledged engineer, ready to make his mark on San Diego.
Angie's Story At Escondido High School, Angie Tran dreamed of becoming a dentist—until STEAM-to-Careers program changed her path. Over 12 weeks of hands-on workshops, mentorship, and a pivotal SDG&E field trip, Angie discovered a passion for earth and space sciences.
That spark led her to the DREAM with STEAM summer program, opportunities at MIT, and a life-changing NASA internship where she helped design a lunar base and learned to code in Python. Today, Angie continues pursuing aerospace internships and credits STEAM-to-Careers for uncovering her passion for space and shaping her future.
Quinton's Story Quinton, a high school junior at Escondido High School, was deeply passionate about rollercoasters, both in real life and in video games. It wasn't until he joined UWSD’s STEAM-to-Careers program that his passion found a purpose. Through the program, Quinton explored science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics, gaining a profound understanding of rollercoaster mechanics and discovering many career opportunities in engineering. Now equipped with technical skills and a sense of ambition, Quinton is poised to pursue his dream of working in the theme park industry, driven by the desire to shape experiences and bring joy to others.
Vision
UWSD and our partners are committed to ensuring that by 2030, 20,000+ skilled workers will enter the job market annually to meet the talent demands of the region. We plan to scale the STEAM-to-Careers program in opportunity zones across San Diego County and equip even more students with the knowledge, network connections, and skills that they need to enter the workforce prepared.
Thank You to Our Partners
The continued support of our partners and the broader community is instrumental in shaping the future of these young minds and ensuring that the next generation of STEAM professionals reflects the population of the region itself.
Make an Impact Today
Donate today to create a lasting impact on the lives of thousands of San Diegans throughout the county. Whether you choose to make a one-time contribution or become a monthly donor, your generosity drives our mission to close gaps in our community through economic mobility and education initiatives.