Stem Advantage

Talent is equally distributed, but opportunity is not. STEM Advantage mentors, prepares, and inspires
first-generation, low-income, and underserved college students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). We “level the playing field” empowering students with access to networks, employment, and economic mobility, while providing a vetted pipeline of skilled talent to businesses.

President and Founder Lee Ann Kline began her career as a software programmer at IBM. As a Mathematics and Computer Science major, she was keenly aware of the lack of women in her field and the need for role models. As her career progressed and she became a consultant at EY, she observed firsthand the lack of gender and racial diversity in technology organizations she served.

See something, do something. Inspired to create change, in 2012, Lee Ann leveraged her network to create STEM Advantage as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit (EIN: 46-1042540). We have received numerous honors, including by the Los Angeles Business Journal as Nonprofit Team of the Year and Nonprofit Executive of the Year (Growing). In 2024, Lee Ann was honored as an AARP Purpose Prize Fellow.

“The best thing I have done for my future, by far, was apply for the STEM Advantage program. “
- Sirena, Computer Science major, Cal State Fullerton

Scholars say our STEM Advantage Scholars program is “life-changing” and empowering with a ripple effect:
1) Preparing first-generation, low-income, and underserved students for STEM jobs that pay more, on average, than non-STEM jobs.
2) Scholars earn $75,000 average starting salary, a sustainable middle-class living wage (400% increase over pre-program salary). They can save and invest, afford to live in California, buy a home, and build wealth.
3) Alumni “pay it forward” as role models and mentors for siblings and younger students. If they can see it, they can be it!
4) Children of alumni will grow up with exposure to and support for college and other career options.
5) This results in a generational impact and clear path to narrow the gender and racial wealth gaps creating financial security for families and redefining the narrative.

STEM Advantage Scholars are tracking to earn more than $2 million more in their lifetime post-program.

Since we were founded in 2012:
• 100% of Scholars earned a Bachelor’s degree
• 100% of Scholars persisted in a STEM field
• 100% were paired 1-to-1 with a mentor who is a STEM professional
• 90% secured a paid internship, research project or other summer experience related to their major
• 90% of graduating seniors secured a job offer within 4 months of graduation or enrolled in graduate school

The first-generation, low-income, and underserved students we serve face deeply rooted systemic, racial, and cultural barriers to accessing and pursuing opportunity, including a college education, particularly in STEM fields. One of the most significant factors impacting students of color is financial resources, the means to successfully pursue a college education, to seek and secure relevant work experience, and to build a network and community of professional colleagues. Another barrier is connection, including bonds with peers facing similar circumstances and life experiences that promote feelings of belonging, relationships with mentors to provide guidance and serve as role models, and linkages to business professionals that open doors to employment.

Education is the most powerful driver of economic mobility. We serve college students because college graduates have an increased earnings potential of up to $1 million over a lifetime – and STEM Advantage Scholars are projected to earn more than $2 million more in their lifetime post-program. A bachelor’s degree is the surest path to the middle class. Yet only 11% of low-income youth nationally earn a bachelor's degree.

Competing priorities between school, work, and family, mental health concerns, and a tight job market have been challenging for the students we serve. Moreover, 2025 brought new challenges:
• Backlash against Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) across government, corporations, and education affected funding and early career jobs. DEI departments were disbanded, DEI was removed as a corporate focus, recruiters no longer required a diverse slate of candidates to consider, and universities disbanded DEI initiatives and support programs.
• Tariffs created an uncertain economic environment which affected hiring.
• Federal and state education funding cuts affected our campus partners, which are public universities. Most reduced classes and campus career services.
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) has led to corporate layoffs, hiring freezes, and reduced new graduate jobs.

Our program aims to mitigate these barriers and challenges so that first-generation, low-income, and underserved communities can realize their full potential.

Southern California - the Greater Los Angeles region, Orange County, and San Diego

Our President & Founder Lee Ann Kline would be happy to meet with you to discuss our program, impact, and strategic direction. Lee Ann may be reached at 949.322.3320 or leeann@stemadvantage.org, and through the Orange County Community Foundation’s donor and community engagement team.