Home | First STEM Scholars

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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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.

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:

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

-Paty Villegas

The First STEM Scholars Framework™

Our work is built around a structured roadmap that supports students from enrollment to pre-career milestones. Through intentional strategy, identity development, and systems navigation, we help first-generation STEM scholars move from uncertainty to clarity and momentum.

Bring First STEM Scholars to Your Campus

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

Helping First-Generation STEM Students Advance and Excel

Who We Serve

Services for
Students

College Readiness

& Career Development Programs

Available Workshops:

First to Go: College Success Program

Careers With Courage Program

First STEM Scholars Workshop

Services for Faculty & Institutions

Professional Development

& Institutional Training

Community College STEM Cohort Training

Community College STEM Cohort Training

Early Preparation for Medical School: Community Counselors Training

Early Preparation for Medical School: Community Counselors Training

Available Workshops:

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

-Paty Villegas

The First STEM Scholars Framework™

Bring First STEM Scholars to Your Campus

ADDRESS

EMAIL

CONNECT

Helping First-Generation STEM Students Advance and Excel

Who We Serve

Services for Students

College Readiness

& Career Development Programs

​

Available Workshops:

First to Go: College Success Program

Careers With Courage Program

First STEM Scholars Workshop

Services for Faculty & Institutions

Professional Development

& Institutional Training

​

Community College STEM Cohort Training

Early Preparation for Medical School: Community Counselors Training

Available Workshops:

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

The First STEM Scholars Framework™

Bring First STEM Scholars to Your Campus

Services for
Students

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

-Paty Villegas