AnchorSTEM Celebrates First Graduating Class, Supporting the Next Generation of STEM Leaders

AnchorSTEM, an innovative and collaborative program, is celebrating a significant milestone as its first cohort of scholars graduates from college.

The program supports “Rising Star” students in STEM fields by providing faculty mentorship, research opportunities, community engagement and financial assistance to students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. It involves the Jacobs Institute for Innovation in Education at the School of Leadership and Education Sciences, the Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering and the College of Arts and Sciences, and community organizations supporting pre-college students.

Funded by the National Science Foundation’s Scholarships in STEM (S-STEM) initiative and generous support from USD, AnchorSTEM is more than just a scholarship program. It honors the different backgrounds and perspectives students bring and recognizes how those qualities can drive innovation and reshape the future of STEM.

The milestone was marked during a recent recognition ceremony honoring the first graduating cohort of AnchorSTEM scholars: Daniel Armendariz, Yuriani Palomino, Kyla Le, Dianthe Hoang, Theresa Nguyen, and Pluto Wah. These students earned degrees in mathematics, biochemistry, biology, behavioral neuroscience and environmental and ocean sciences. But the celebration was about more than just academic achievement, it was a moment to acknowledge how these students have transformed their university, their communities and their own sense of what’s possible in STEM.

“You’ve shown us what it means to thrive in STEM without leaving any part of yourselves behind,” said Perla Myers, PhD, executive director of the Jacobs Institute, during the ceremony. “You’ve welcomed new scholars, mentored younger students, created clubs, conducted award-winning research, represented USD in national conferences and even welcomed siblings and friends into the program. You’ve studied the world and served the community. And throughout it all, you’ve remained anchored — in your values, in your purpose and in each other.”

AnchorSTEM recognizes that the true success of its scholars goes beyond academic achievements. It is about students growing into confident and empowered individuals. This vision is evident in students from the first graduating cohort. Their testimonials highlight how AnchorSTEM has played a huge role in both their personal and academic journeys.

“These past four years of college have been a life-changing experience for me, and I owe it all to AnchorSTEM for selecting me and supporting my pursuit of higher education,” shared Wah, a first-generation college student majoring in environmental and ocean sciences with a minor in geographic information systems. “Over the years, I have gained many skills, including leadership, personal growth, stepping out of my comfort zone, and seizing every opportunity presented to me.”

Palomino, also a first-generation college student, shared a similar sentiment. Majoring in biology with a minor in ethnic studies, she emphasized the sense of belonging the program gave her.

“Through AnchorSTEM, I found a community that has supported me from the beginning,” she said. “They helped me gain research experience, build confidence on campus, and even got me involved in research before I officially started college.”

As these scholars embark on their professional paths, the program will continue to uplift the next generation of STEM leaders by fostering a sense of belonging, building students’ confidence in their STEM abilities and providing support at every step of the way.

“Congratulations, AnchorSTEM graduates,” Myers added. “You are the embodiment of dreams fulfilled, and the representation of a legacy in the making.”