Science Learning Institute

About Our Commitment

The future of Silicon Valley’s economy depends on a workforce proficient in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Foothill College is committed to providing a solid STEM foundation for our students.

The Foothill Science Learning Institute is an example of our commitment. Our teaching strategies and hands-on learning approach encourage students to explore the process of science, not just the solution.

Answering the Challenging

Judy Miner "Foothill-De Anza is unswerving in our commitment to provide a solid STEM foundation.

Foothill College is answering this challenge through a bold new initiative that will prepare today's generation for tomorrow's demands.

The Foothill College Science Learning Institute will present an innovative model based on educational research

With your help, the institute can make a pronounced and positive influence on our students' and California's-future.

- Judy C. Miner, Ed.D. Chancellor of the Foothill-De Anza Community College District

and best practices for the successful teaching and learning of science, technology, engineering and mathematics at all levels.

Moreover, we need to help them develop critical-thinking and problem-solving skills, and encourage communication, collaboration, creativity and innovation to enable them to fill the jobs of the future.

With your help, the institute can make a pronounced and positive influence on our students' and California's-future."

Meet Sophia Kim, New Director of SLI

Sophia joined Foothill College in April 2020 from Stanford University's Haas Center for Public Service, where she was the High School Program Director, leading the High School Support Initiative, whose goal was addressing education inequity in local communities through tutoring and mentoring high school students.

Sophia is a transplant from Boston, where she spent almost 15 years working in the nonprofit youth work space, directing programs that primarily served Asian American youth from immigrant and low-income backgrounds, building youth leadership and supporting youth to effect positive change in their communities.

Sophia also has a commitment to anti-oppression education and change work through initiatives to develop anti-racism trainings, activist trainings for young adults, and most recently serving as the chair for the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee at the Haas Center.

Sophia has a bachelor's degree from Williams College, where she double-majored in biology and history, and a master's degree in education from the University of Massachusetts Boston, with a focus on multicultural education at the secondary level.

Sophia spends her free time with her husband and young son, riding their bikes, exploring farmer's markets, hiking, and trying to be outdoors as much as possible. She loves cooking and baking for family and friends, and exploring new places with her family.