Science Learning Institute

Diversifying STEM

Need an internship this summer?

Check out internships hosted by SLI for the spring and summer.

Mission and Vision

The Science Learning Institute’s mission is to advance equity in STEM at Foothill College by supporting students from underrepresented groups in their academic and career pathways in STEM and through initiatives working with faculty and within the institution.

Research shows that women, people with disabilities, and people from historically marginalized communities are underrepresented in STEM courses, STEM majors, and STEM-related companies.

SLI's vision includes the following outcomes:

The number of STEM students from underrepresented groups at Foothill College increases through the programming of SLI.
STEM students leave Foothill College prepared for college and the workforce with the skills and experiences they have gained.
Local companies and institutions look to Foothill College when recruiting students with a STEM background.

Our Programs

SLI Internships — summer and academic year internships supported through scholarships.

TechCore Summer Institute — for graduating seniors and equivalency earners to participate in an intensive summer program to prepare for college enrollment and a computer science track.

TechCore Program — a two-year cohort program to support students in completing an Associate Degree to transfer in Computer Science.

SLI -hosted events - SLI plans and collaborates on events for the Foothill campus to elevate issues of diversity and equity in STEM:

STEM Equity Seminars for Owl — join us for talks on equity, diversity, and inclusion issues in the STEM field, open to all interested students, faculty, and staff.
Diversity in Tech - targeted at students, these are interactive presentations focused on issues of diversity and equity in tech.