Don't let anyone rob you of your imagination, your creativity, or your curiosity. It's your place in the world; it's your life. Go on and do all you can with it, and make it the life you want to live." -Dr. Mae C. Jemison, Engineer, Physician, and NASA Astronaut.

Strategies that take students out of traditional classrooms and engage students in authentic career-related experiences are in line with evidence-based instructional strategies that require shifting from lectures and lab exercises toward more open-ended and student-driven learning experiences.¹

Project S:AIL in STEM's Student Internship Program expand internships and experiential work-based learning in collaboration with Ventura College's Career Services, STEM community advisory boards, and industry leaders to connect Latine/a/o and other historically marginalized students to real-world experiences that augment classroom learning.

Research and internship experiences and opportunities for early career exploration are critical for historically marginalized STEM students for whom economic outcomes and employment post-graduation are of particular importance. Further, the UC system values experiential and work-based learning experiences among transfer students. Strengthening relationships with industry partners will expand availability of paid internship opportunities that prepare students for the STEM workforce.

For additional information regarding career preparation, visit the VC Career Center page here.

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_{1. Olson, S., & Riordan, D. G. (2012). Engage to Excel: Producing One Million Additional College Graduates with Degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. Report to the President. Executive Office of the President}