How STEM Core Works

STEM Core aims to assist students who are interested in a STEM major or career path and who need to take Algebra and Trigonometry as prerequisites to Calculus.(If you are already in or ready to take Calculus, you are not eligible for STEM Core.)

Students begin by enrolling in the College Algebra (Math 1) or Trigonometry (Math D) class noted below. (Note: if students need to take Intermediate Algebra prior to their STEM Core year, they should do so during the summer term or in the year preceding their STEM Core year.)

In short, students join a cohort of other students in a math class in order to prepare for Calculus and advanced STEM classes in one academic year or less.

STEM Core Scholars receive additional help from a dedicated in-class math tutor and the Student Support Specialist who can assist with a variety of challenges.

During this academic year, students are strongly encouraged to take Introduction to Engineering (EGR 10) and/or Python Programming (CIS 7), along with English 1A or 1B, to be ready to apply for a paid summer internship. Students are also encouraged to take Mechatronic technology classes.

Program Benefits

• Free licenses for online math course materials and textbooks
• Extra tutoring resources for STEM Core math courses (both within and outside of the classroom)
• Workshops and individual assistance
  • Career speakers
  • Resume/Interview techniques
  • Professional development
  • College transfer
• Site visits to local tech companies/industry partners/transfer institutions. Most of these sites are are introduced via web presentations on Friday mornings.
• Opportunities to apply for exclusive PAID summer internships at SLAC (Stanford Linear Accelerator), NASA Ames, Lockheed Martin, Cisco, CalTrans, NREL (National Renewable Energy Lab), Stryker, Kiewit, and other employers in Silicon Valley and throughout the U.S. (In order to apply for summer internships, students must complete the STEM Core math courses with a 3.0 g.p.a.) 
  • The current internship payment is $6000 for 10 weeks of full-time work. Subsequently, there may be the opportunity to continue working part-time during the academic year.

Eligibility

Math classes: Tuesday and Thursday

MAT 1 (College Algebra) will be offered in the 2023 fall term and MAT D (Trigonometry) will be offered in the 2024 spring term. Students who wish to join STEM Core are expected to take both classes unless they have already completed one of the courses. (Students must complete Intermediate Algebra or the equivalent prior to beginning their STEM Core year.)

Fall 2023

College Algebra with Additional Support
Math 001X (section 73763) with Max Sklar
Tuesday/Thursday: 9:20 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Spring 2024

Trigonometry (tentative schedule)
Math D with Max Sklar
Tuesday/Thursday: 10:50 a.m. to 12:20 p.m.

Other classes: Monday - Thursday

Students in STEM Core are encouraged to take at least one engineering or programming course during their STEM Core year. Students may also take mechatronic technology classes. Course possibilities include

• EGR 10 - Introduction to Engineering
• CIS 007 - Python Programming
• CIS 040 - C++ Programming
• CIS 043 - Software Development with Java Programming
• MTT 010 - Introduction to Technology and Careers
• MTT 012 - Electronic Systems Measurement and Troubleshooting

The courses above are helpful for those who will apply for PAID summer internships. They are great introductory courses, but you are not limited to them.

During the year you will also want to take English 1A (or, perhaps, English 1B), and other general education requirements or other science courses for your major.

Friday mornings

Please keep Friday mornings available for workshops and online site visits.