Strengthening STEM Pathways in San Diego

“Over the years, San Diego has quietly transformed into a dynamic epicenter for innovation, earning its reputation as a catalyst for groundbreaking ideas and cutting-edge technologies. Unfortunately, the diversity of San Diego’s innovation economy does not reflect the diversity of the region. White and Asian populations in these technology, biotech, cleantech, and other clusters, are overrepresented, and Hispanic and Latinos are underrepresented.” – San Diego Regional Economic Development Corp’s 2023 Inclusive Growth Progress: Recovery and Resilience Annual Update

Mission

Digital Promise aims to advance community-driven and flexible approaches to STEM pathways that position 100,000 more historically and systematically excluded learners on the trajectory towards high-impact STEM careers, ready to lead and forge a San Diego known for its diversity, inclusivity, and visionary progress.

We will disrupt the notion of the singular education-to-workforce pipeline and reimagine each learner’s journey pursuing countless personal and unique pathways strengthened by a connected infrastructure that honors, recognizes, and accelerates student success.

The Opportunity

Increase access, transparency, and support systems to encourage more San Diego youth to consider STEM and prepare them for success in a STEM careers.

Nationwide, women and learners of color are less likely to declare a STEM major.

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Gateway courses can create momentum and success in STEM for traditionally underserved learners.

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Together We Will

Engage in a model of Inclusive Innovation focused on connections and commitment, inquiry and investigation, design and development, implementation and iteration, and sustainability and scale.

Build on assets, bright spots, and momentum from across San Diego County.

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Ensure a community-driven and adaptable approach to STEM pathways.

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Create a 21st century connected infrastructure that accelerates student success.

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The Approach

Adapted from Dounay (2008); Education First (2018)

We will focus on both external, systems-level change and internal, learner-level transformation driven by community leaders and Digital Promise expertise in inclusive innovation, research, learning experience, and credentialing.

Community Advisors

This work will be led by a robust coalition of local and regional partners, who will help ensure alignment with the local economy, community context, and values. Our efforts will focus on bringing together institutions while also ensuring that learners feel a sense of belonging on their journey to a career.

Together, we’re creating a future where every student in San Diego can easily access, actively participate in, and benefit from our region’s opportunities. By serving as a regional model, we hope San Diego will inspire the nation to advance cross-sector collaboration resulting in expanded early childhood to career possibilities.