Saddleback College was awarded a $3 million grant from the Samueli Foundation to increase work-based learning opportunities for students. The investment, which will be paid in $1 million installments over three years, will focus on paid internships for students in programs related to renewable energy and the electric grid, including computer science and computer information management (software development, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity); STEM (engineering, advanced manufacturing, industrial automation, and electronics), advanced transportation and automotive technology (including electric vehicle technology), and construction and architecture.
Dr. Elliot Stern, President of Saddleback College, stated, “This generous grant from the Samueli Foundation will enable the college to connect hundreds of students to paid internships with our industry partners, ensuring that they are getting valuable career experience for jobs that are in demand in our region.”
In addition to connecting students to paid internships, enhanced career-focused support services will be provided, including career counseling, resume workshops, interview preparation, and job placement assistance.
Israel Dominguez, Director of Economic and Workforce Development at Saddleback College, said, “This significant investment from the Samueli Foundation will allow the college to expand its work-based learning opportunities to even more students. These opportunities are critical in the college’s mission to support social mobility and address income equality.”
The program will target in-demand middle-skill jobs that offer a path to living wages for up to 300 students each year, and the funding will allow the employers to be reimbursed up to 50% of wages paid to participating students.