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Balloons Floating Away

AISS BRIDGING THE GAP 2025
Annual Fundraiser is HERE!!

SAVE THE DATE: June 5, 2025 @ Santa Ana Elks Lodge

Class of 2025 and 2026

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Welcome to AISS

Our Mission is to guide high-achieving, economically disadvantaged high school students interested in pursuing a career in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) fields. Our goal is to break the cycle of poverty.

Achieving Greatness: Award Winning Video

"Achieving Greatness" – A film by Kristina Chatow that follows the inspiring journeys of three families whose lives were transformed by a nonprofit dedicated to equipping economically disadvantaged students with the skills and mindset to attend college and succeed in life.

WHAT WE DO!

The Achievement Institute for STEM Scholars (AISS) is dedicated to preparing high-achieving, underrepresented high school students for success in STEM careers. Our program provides intensive academic support, hands-on research experiences, professional mentorship, and college preparation to help students excel in higher education and beyond. By connecting scholars with industry leaders, AISS creates opportunities for the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers.

Our Impact

Through strategic partnerships with schools, industry leaders, and community organizations, AISS has created a lasting impact by fostering innovation, leadership, and excellence in the STEM fields. This report highlights the accomplishments of the current class and celebrates the achievements of our scholars since 2001.

Team work

775 People 

Served

Volunteers, parents, partners, mentors, scholars, alumni, etc.

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100% Attend 

College

All AISS scholars attend college, equipped with the skills to excel in STEM.

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95% First Generation Students

We help first-gen scholars break barriers and achieve their full potential in higher education and beyond.

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99% College Graduation Rate

99% of AISS scholars earn their college degrees, proving the power of mentorship and opportunity.

Graduating

214 Graduated 

Scholars

Since 2001, AISS has empowered 274 scholars to excel in STEM education and careers.

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78% Working in 

STEM Fields

78% of AISS scholars are pursuing careers in STEM, driving innovation and impact.

 

Become an AISS Scholar!

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Are you a high school student passionate about STEM? The Achievement Institute for STEM Scholars (AISS) is now accepting applications for our Class of 2027 cohort!
 

Join a prestigious program that provides mentorship, hands-on STEM experiences, college preparation, and scholarship opportunities to help you succeed in your academic and professional journey.​

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For more information about our program or the recruitment process, join our recruitment session.

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DEADLINE: April 12, 2025

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Ready to Apply?

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Alumni Testimonials

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With the help of AISS, I can confidently say that the sponsorship I got through them before even starting college, Gloria and Richard Strayer's donations helped me participate in a summer program that got me knowing the ins and outs of the UCI campus better than some of the 4th year students!

Jaqueline Vargas, Aspiring Lead Biomedical Engineer

Class of 2019

Why We Need AISS

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Class of 2025 at UCI Reach Out Teach Out STEM day 2024

AISS scholars class of 2025 visit UCI Nuclear Reactor, met STEM scholars and participate in interactive science labs. 

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The Achievement Institute’s outcome-driven model is an intensive two-year program with the first year focused on STEM career awareness, and the second year concentrated on college readiness.

AISS Office

1505 E. 17th St, Ste 118

Santa Ana, CA 92705

P.O. Box 11744

Santa Ana, CA 92711

714-884-4113

© 2021 by AISS Foundation

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