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Student Services

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.

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First to Go: College Success Program

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

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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.

Career and entrepreneurship pathways for undocumented students.

2

Careers With Courage
Program

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.

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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.

3

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

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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.

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Testimonials

“Paty Villegas led a series of career readiness workshops for dozens of underserved/first generation high school students across the Central Valley and Northern California in partnership with United We Lead Foundation. She is a great role model, motivational speaker and career readiness consultant. Her curriculum “Career with Purpose'' helped our aspiring young professionals identify their values, skills, and natural talents to pursue their career endeavors. Paty certainly contributed to the success of our distance learning summer programming."

DEIDI A. SANCHEZ

CHIEF BUSINESS OFFICER UNITED WE LEAD FOUNDATION

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