STEM Stories

Reymarie
CSU Dominguez Hills, Computer Science (2013)
Where is she now? Consultant at Hitachi Consulting

“Through the STEM Advantage scholarship program, I was able to get my degree in 2013 with less student loan debt. To have received what STEM Advantage offers, I can confidently say that the program equips students with everything they need to enter the job market. My internship with Toyota Financial Services gave me the chance to assist in the development of a premier mobile site – an opportunity I never thought I would get as student. Moreover, learning business skills from leaders of a world class company is priceless. Today, I now work as a consultant for Hitachi Consulting. I wouldn’t be where I am now if it wasn’t for my internship and guidance from my mentors. Thank you STEM Advantage for the life-changing experience.”


Rosalie
CSU Dominguez Hills, Computer Science (2014)
Where is she now? Information Systems at Toyota Motor Sales

Ever since I became a part of STEM Advantage, opportunities that I didn’t think would be possible so soon kept coming my way. I was able to intern at a highly regarded company (Toyota Motor Sales, Inc.) which allowed me to assume leadership roles and become actively involved in many major projects such as helping launch Toyota’s first Mobile Day. My unique experience at Toyota along with my mentor Lynda’s support has given me the confidence I needed to ultimately earn a position at Toyota. I have grown so much through STEM Advantage, and I am truly thankful for all the doors that this program has opened. “


Amber Cosgrove
CSU Dominguez Hills, Computer Technology/Homeland Security (2014)
Where is she now? Project Manager at Sony Pictures Entertainment

“Not only have I met lifelong friends and mentors through STEM, but I have been given opportunities that I could only dream of. I was able to obtain two amazing internships while still in school. During my last internship I was hired on to be a project manager after I graduated. This program has opened up so many doors I would not have been able to breach on my own. I owe my future to the STEM Advantage Program.”


Emily
CSU Dominguez Hills, Computer Technology/Homeland Security (2014)
Where is she now? Business Analyst at DIRECTV

“What has STEM advantage done for me? The question should be what hasn’t STEM Advantage done for me? STEM Advantage helped me build my confidence and helped me discover who I could be. Before STEM Advantage I was just a girl “from the hood” who wanted more for herself, or so I thought, with no idea on how I was going to do it. In my mind, I knew it would take me a while since I had to figure out how to even get started and with very little support. STEM Advantage came along and just swept me off my feet. I was given the opportunity to intern with DIRECTV, a company that I am now contracting with, where I have grown so much professionally but most importantly, personally. I can’t even recognize the person that I was before. Just knowing that someone believed in me and gave me the opportunity to shine was all that was needed for me to be lit on fire. I am SO grateful to STEM Advantage because without this amazing program and the amazing people who spend their spare time on making this a reality I would not be where I am today. Thank you STEM Advantage for changing my life.”


Daniel
CSU Dominguez Hills, Computer Technology (2014)
Where is he now? Helpdesk, South Central Los Angeles Regional Center

My name is Daniel and I am relatively new to the world of IT, after all my real passion lies in History. However, I do have a degree in IT as I believe this will help me get to see the history around the world. With the help of STEM Advantage I received opportunities that I never thought I would receive immediately. With no experience I was thinking I would have to start from the very bottom and work my way up. STEM Advantage provided me with an internship at Sony Pictures Entertainment, an opportunity I thought would have taken several years of experience before I even got that chance. With the help of STEM Advantage it opened the door for me to meet several people and organizations that can help me in my road through the world of IT and ultimately get to achieve my dreams. STEM Advantage is an organization that is willing to put in the work to help people get experience a lot quicker than usual. Nothing is impossible.”


Matthew Roesger
CSU Dominguez Hills, Computer Technology/ Homeland Security (December 2015)

STEM Advantage has immensely improved not only my academic life but my personal life. Before receiving this scholarship I was struggling in my studies towards a degree that I had no idea what I was going to do with. By introducing me to my mentor Jessica DeVita (Technical Evangelist at Microsoft) and many other successful IT professionals I was able to gain a superior understanding of what I wanted to do with my own blossoming career. Many people think of scholarships as just a means to acquire money for school, but STEM advantage has taught me that this is not true. It’s about gaining experience and connections now so you will have all the skills, confidence and support you need to face your new career. Without the STEM Advantage program I would not be as successful in my academic or personal life.”


Lenard Segovia
CSU Dominguez Hills, Computer Science (December 2015)

STEM Advantage is an opportunity to continue to progress and build my knowledge base and skill set through continued hard work and patience. STEM Advantage has not only allowed me the opportunity to intern at reputable companies and work with highly accomplished individuals, but it has also allowed me to recognize and accept my potential for the future. STEM Advantage has opened the door for endless opportunities and stands as a support system that encourages and inspires individuals to believe and pursue in their own goals and dreams.”