Irvine Valley College (IVC) has been selected as one of four higher education institutions in Orange County to receive $3 million dollars from the Samueli Foundation to strengthen pathways for community college students pursuing degrees and careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).
The initiative also includes the creation of the Orange County STEM Regional Collaboration, a three-year, $4 million partnership among IVC, Fullerton College, Orange Coast College, and Cal State Fullerton, aimed at reducing barriers and expanding opportunities for students pursuing STEM degrees.
With this funding, IVC will expand access to undergraduate research experiences, strengthen faculty-student engagement, and enhance STEM transfer preparation. Between 2017 and 2024, IVC supported more than 2,000 STEM students in successfully transferring to four-year universities—a number that is expected to grow through the Samueli Foundation’s investment.
Key components of the IVC initiative include:
- Creation of a new Natural Science Center, which will provide expanded tutoring, academic support, and research space for students in biology, chemistry, physics, and related fields.
- Paid summer research stipends, allowing students—particularly those with financial need—to participate in hands-on, faculty-mentored research experiences that would otherwise be out of reach.
- Expanded supplemental instruction, advising, and peer mentoring to help more students persist and complete STEM transfer pathways.
“Irvine Valley College is honored to receive this transformative investment from the Samueli Foundation,” said IVC President Dr. John Hernandez. “This generous support will enable us to expand academic resources such as supplemental instruction, applied research opportunities, paid internships, and mentoring—opening doors for students who may not otherwise have access to these pathways. With this investment, IVC will continue to grow a dynamic STEM learning community that empowers students to transfer, thrive, and lead in the scientific and technological fields of tomorrow.”
The Samueli Foundation has recently announced a total investment of more than $24 million across Orange County colleges that underscores a shared regional commitment to workforce development and educational equity. By equipping students with the tools and experiences needed to pursue high-demand, living-wage STEM careers, these partnerships are helping ensure Orange County’s continued innovation and economic vitality.
With the announcement of the Samueli funding, the IVC Foundation is launching a two-fold program in tandem with these transformational investments to the college. First, the IVC Foundation will be awarding $150,000 in STEM scholarships for students over the next three years. In addition, they created and will soon launch a STEM Matching Gift Campaign designed to amplify the impact of the Samueli Foundation’s investment. Over the next three years, the campaign will leverage $121,500 to inspire additional community giving and expand opportunities for students pursuing studies in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. For more information on giving opportunities, please contact the IVC Foundation at ivcfoundation@ivc.edu or call 949-451-5290.