Stem Advantage

What it reported doing in 2025

Empowering the Next Generation of STEM Leaders. At STEM Advantage, we believe talent is equally distributed, but opportunity is not. We deliver a comprehensive, student-centered program designed to equip first-generation students with the skills, confidence, and connections needed to pursue and thrive in STEM careers. Our approach includes: Career Support: Targeted career programming that strengthens professional skills and builds confidence, empowering students to secure internships and entry-level positions in STEM fields. One-on-One Mentorship: Personalized mentorship from STEM professionals who serve as role models, offering guidance, support, and career coaching to help students navigate their academic and career journeys. Professional & Career Development: Interactive workshops, career panels, and industry events that prepare students for successful job searches, interviews, and career advancement. Scholarships: Financial support that enables students to attend classes full-time, get involved in a STEM-related club, and graduate with less student debt. Community and Networking: A robust support network that fosters a sense of belonging and provides students with opportunities to build connections with peers, alumni, and industry partners.We proudly serve students pursuing bachelor's degrees in STEM disciplines across California State University (CSU) campuses in Southern California, including the Greater Los Angeles region, Orange County, and San Diego. The CSU is the largest four-year public university system in the nationan incubator for untapped talent and ideal partner for driving impactful change at scale.Power of PartnershipsOur success is fueled by strong partnerships with leading companies and industry organizations. These partners not only provide funding and paid internships but also engage their employees as mentors, participate in career panels, and hire our graduates. Currently, STEM Advantage collaborates with over 50 companies, along with numerous professional and industry organizations, to create meaningful career pathways for our scholars.A Proven Track Record of Impact and Economic MobilitySince our founding in 2012, we have empowered over 1,000 Scholars with exceptional results: 100% have graduated with a bachelors degree in a STEM field. 72% are first-generation college students from low-income families. Scholars earn an average starting salary of $75,000a sustainable, middle-class living wage that represents a 400% increase over their average pre-program earnings. Scholars are projected to earn $2 million more in their lifetime post-programestablishing financial security, building wealth, and uplifting their families and communities.Our Scholars consistently describe the program as "life-changing and empowering," underscoring its ripple effectnot just on individual lives, but across communities. They are breaking cycles of poverty, achieving economic mobility, and becoming role models for future generations.

Financial Efficiency

• Mission deployment rate: 65.3%; rating input score 65
• Program expense ratio: 95.7%; rating input score 96
• Fundraising efficiency: $55.46 raised per $1 spent on fundraising; rating input score 77; 77th percentile among comparable filings

Transparency & Controls

• Consistency checks: 94.4%; rating input score 94; 27th percentile among comparable filings
• Pay-setting controls: Limited
• Foreign activity oversight: Limited
• Grant itemization coverage: 100%; rating input score 100; 78th percentile among comparable filings
• Major donor itemization: Yes; rating input score 100
• Related-party transparency: Limited

Accountability

• Independent voting board: 93.3%; rating input score 93; 27th percentile among comparable filings
• Governance controls: 7 of 7 controls in place; rating input score 100
  • Conflict-of-interest policy: Pass
  • Whistleblower policy: Pass
  • Document-retention policy: Pass
  • CEO compensation review process: NotApplicable
  • Other executive compensation review process: NotApplicable
  • Form 990 shared with the board: Pass
  • Board meeting minutes documented: Pass
  • Audit committee oversight: Pass
  • Independent financial-statement audit: Pass

Sustainability

• Operating margin: 32.2%; rating input score 83; 83rd percentile among comparable filings
• Total-asset coverage ratio: 1.18; rating input score 48; 48th percentile among comparable filings
• Liabilities to assets ratio: 0.01; rating input score 57; 57th percentile among comparable filings
• Officer compensation ratio: 0%; rating input score 78; 78th percentile among comparable filings

Growth

• Program expense growth: 24.1% per year; rating input score 100; 84th percentile among comparable filings
• Revenue growth: 21.1% per year; rating input score 100; 84th percentile among comparable filings
• Asset growth: 27.1% per year; rating input score 100; 87th percentile among comparable filings