SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. – Cuesta College has been awarded a six-year, $1.2 million grant from the National Science Foundation through its Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (S-STEM) program. The grant will support low-income students pursuing degrees in computing and engineering.
Titled Building a Computing and Engineering Network to Foster Academic Excellence Among Low-Income Scholars, the project will provide scholarships alongside comprehensive academic and career support to help students persist, transfer to four-year institutions, and succeed in high-demand STEM fields. The project team will also conduct research and evaluation to improve student outcomes, share best practices with other institutions, and serve as a model for successful collaboration between community colleges and four-year institutions in preparing graduates for high-demand STEM careers.
This grant award recognizes a collaborative partnership between Cuesta College, California Polytechnic State University, and Allan Hancock College to strengthen regional transfer pathways and create a more connected network of support for students pursuing careers in science and technology.
“This grant is about more than financial support; it’s about creating clear, supported pathways for students to succeed in fields that are critical to our region’s future,” said Assistant Superintendent / Vice President of Instruction Dr. Jason Curtis. “By combining scholarships with mentorship, academic guidance, and strong institutional partnerships, we are helping students access STEM education and thrive in it.”
This award reflects Cuesta College’s continued commitment to expanding access and strengthening pathways in disciplines that are critical to the region’s future. The grant was led by faculty co-principal investigators Tafadzwe Dube and Bret Clark, whose efforts helped secure this investment in student success and regional workforce development.
The S-STEM program aims to increase the number of low-income students earning degrees in STEM disciplines by addressing both financial barriers and academic challenges. Through this grant, participating students will benefit from mentorship, academic advising, and career development opportunities aligned with industry needs.
About Cuesta College
Cuesta College empowers students to imagine and achieve brighter futures through high-quality
education, personalized support, and a welcoming community. With a main campus in
San Luis Obispo, a North County Campus in Paso Robles, a South County Center in Arroyo
Grande, and a variety of online offerings, we offer opportunities that inspire growth,
spark innovation, and open doors, helping every student succeed on their unique path.
Learn more at cuesta.edu.
About Cuesta College STEM Programs
Cuesta College offers a comprehensive range of Science, Technology, Engineering, and
Mathematics (STEM) programs designed to prepare students for transfer, careers, and
industry certifications in high-demand fields. Through hands-on learning, dedicated
faculty mentorship, and strong partnerships with regional institutions and employers,
Cuesta College provides clear pathways in disciplines such as engineering, computer
science, biological sciences, and mathematics. The college is committed to expanding
access, supporting student success, and developing a skilled workforce that meets
the evolving needs of the Central Coast and beyond.