SD2 Receives $100,000 Grant to Expand STEM Opportunities for San Diego Students

San Diego Squared (SD2), a nonprofit organization whose mission is to connect underrepresented students to the power of STEM by providing access to education, mentorship, and the resources they need to lead the talent pipeline, received a $100,000 grant from the KPMG U.S. Foundation.

The funding will support an array of SD2’s programs, which include fellowships, paid internships with corporate partners, and multi-year college scholarships, each built around one-on-one mentorship. Together, these resources, relationships, and experiences give high school and college-age student participants front-row access to some of San Diego’s most innovative companies and the opportunity to realize their true potential and pursue careers in STEM fields.

San Diego’s STEM economy is growing, and the California Employment Development Department projects double-digit job growth through 2032 in fields from software development and data science to information security and biochemistry. Yet at the region’s leading employers, a single internship or entry-level posting can draw hundreds or even thousands of applicants. Through mentorship, industry exposure, and paid work experience, SD2 helps students build the skills, relationships, and experience to stand out and step into the roles San Diego needs to fill.

"The talent is here. It always has been," said H. Puentes, co-founder, president, and CEO, SD2. "KPMG U.S. Foundation's investment reflects confidence in SD2's model. It will help more of San Diego's best young minds be seen, developed, and hired by the companies shaping the future of science and technology."

The KPMG U.S. Foundation awarded the grant as part of its broader investment in nonprofit organizations that are helping communities thrive across the country. This fall, the Foundation is providing nearly $2 million in funding to organizations serving local communities in eight cities across the United States, helping support stronger, healthier, and more vibrant communities.

"Innovative industries depend on a strong pipeline of future problem-solvers, creators and leaders," said Nash Raja, Managing Director, KPMG LLP, and SD2 Board Member. "SD2 is helping students across San Diego discover opportunities in STEM and connect with the mentors, experiences and support systems that can help turn aspirations into careers. We're honored to support their work."

About San Diego Squared (SD2)

San Diego Squared (SD2) is a San Diego-based, STEM-focused nonprofit dedicated to driving STEM curiosity, education, mentorship, and employment for underrepresented students across San Diego County. SD2 connects these students with a network of advocates, mentors, and community leaders, including some of San Diego's most innovative companies, so every student has the opportunity to realize their potential and build a career in STEM. For more information, visit SD2.org or call (619) 859-5516.