The Samueli Foundation, founded by Henry and Susan Samueli, announced that it’s investing more than $24 million in six local colleges to boost workforce development, as well as STEM student success rates and degree completion.
“By investing in colleges’ capacity and expanding student supports, we help strengthen pathways to high-demand, living-wage careers,” Samueli Foundation President Lindsey Spindle said in a statement.
The foundation is giving a total of $8.2 million to Golden West College, Orange Coast College (OCC) and Saddleback College to bolster existing and create new workforce development programs “leading to living-wage roles in high-need sectors.”
It’s also investing $12 million over the next three years in Fullerton College, Irvine Valley College, OCC, and Cal State Fullerton to improve graduation rates for students pursuing STEM degrees.
Additionally, the Samueli Foundation is funding a three-year, $4 million regional STEM collaborative initiative between these four schools, allowing them to share resources and expertise with one another.
