Cal State Fullerton’s efforts to strengthen pathways for transfer students in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programs received a multi-million-dollar boost from the Samueli Foundation.
The Samueli Foundation’s $7 million gift to CSUF aims to build on the university’s leadership as a top destination for transfer students and boost bachelor degree completion for community college transfer students.
CSUF, Fullerton College, Irvine Valley College and Orange Coast College received a total of $12 million from the Samueli Foundation. Cal State Fullerton and each of the community colleges will receive $3 million to enhance collaboration. In addition, the four institutions will form the Orange County STEM Regional Collaboration, with a three-year, $4 million funding initiative that CSUF will lead.
Workforce development programs at Golden West College and Saddleback College also received funding for skills academies, paid internships, and expansion of high-demand fields such as nursing. In total, the Samueli Foundation gave $24 million to expand workforce development opportunities for students at six Orange County college campuses.
With construction of CSUF’s 42,000-square-foot Innovation Hub at the College of Engineering and Computer Science underway and set to open in the summer of 2027, programming to expand transfer programs is critical to expanding student success and workforce readiness.
“Cal State Fullerton is grateful for this investment, which will open doors for more students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics,” said Cal State Fullerton President Ronald Rochon. “This support strengthens our collaboration with local community college partners and creates stronger pathways to careers that will drive innovation and power the future of Orange County.”
The gifts spark new initiatives and expand others at CSUF. The university will hire full-time STEM transfer advisors embedded in the College of Engineering and Computer Science and the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. CSUF also will expand outreach surrounding transfer navigation pathways, and comprehensive co-curricular student support through peer advising, transfer coaching and services increasing research placements with student stipends, ensuring financial barriers do not limit participation.