STEM & Engineering

Supporting first-generation students pursuing careers in STEM, engineering, and applied technology fields.

Overview

The STEM & Engineering Pathway supports students interested in careers across science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and related applied fields.

Barrier Breakers provides expert college admissions advising aligned with STEM and engineering interests, paired with mentorship and long-term support throughout college and beyond. Our work begins by helping students identify colleges and academic programs that prepare them for rigorous STEM coursework and competitive technical careers.

STEM and engineering fields drive innovation, infrastructure, and economic mobility — yet access to these careers is often shaped by early exposure, mentorship, and networks.

First-generation students are frequently underrepresented in STEM and engineering pathways, not due to lack of talent, but due to unequal access to guidance, professional capital, and sustained support. This pathway exists to ensure students have the resources, relationships, and long-term encouragement needed to persist, graduate, and thrive in technically demanding fields.

Students in this pathway are supported from high school through college and into early career or graduate preparation, depending on their goals.

STEM Careers Across Industries

STEM and engineering careers span a wide range of industries and applications. Students in this pathway may pursue roles in areas such as:

  • Engineering (civil, mechanical, electrical, chemical, environmental, and related fields)

  • Computer science, software engineering, and data analytics

  • Research, applied science, and laboratory-based careers

  • Technology-driven roles in healthcare, sustainability, finance, and manufacturing

  • Emerging fields at the intersection of technology, ethics, and social impact

Barrier Breakers helps students connect technical interests to real-world applications and career opportunities.

What We Do

  • 1:1 College Advising

    Personalized 1:1 support aligned with STEM, engineering, computer science, data science, and quantitative pathways

  • Mentorship

    Mentorship from STEM and engineering professionals, including engineers, technologists, researchers, and applied scientists

  • Career Opportunities

    Career exposure opportunities, such as internships, shadow days, informational interviews, and employer-led programming

  • Support During College

    Ongoing support during college and graduate school including persistence check-ins, wellness support, and preparation for next steps

Graduate & Professional Pathways in STEM

For students pursuing graduate study in STEM or engineering fields, Barrier Breakers provides continued support beyond college.

Graduate admissions advising for STEM and engineering programs may be delivered through trusted referral partners, depending on the student’s discipline and program requirements. This includes specialized guidance for highly technical or research-focused graduate programs.

Regardless of how graduate admissions support is provided, Barrier Breakers continues to support students through graduate school and early career stages with mentorship, wellness check-ins, and guidance during key transitions.

Throughout college, students in the STEM & Engineering Pathway receive:

  • Regular wellness and persistence check-ins

  • Mentorship and professional guidance

  • Support navigating internships, research opportunities, and early career decisions

For students who pursue graduate study, we continue this support throughout their programs. For those who enter the workforce directly, we remain engaged during early career stages — helping students navigate technical workplaces, transitions, and professional growth.

Become a Mentor, Institutional Partner, or Student Sponsor

You can play a direct role in supporting first-generation students on their path to college, graduate school, and meaningful careers. As a mentor, you provide guidance, encouragement, and insight into professional pathways. As a corporate partner, you help expand access to internships, career exposure, and early professional experiences. As a student sponsor, you make it possible for aspiring low-income students to receive expert advising, continued wellness support, and long-term mentorship at no cost — ensuring they are supported every step of the way.

Student sponsorships directly support aspiring low-income students by funding college advising, mentorship, and continued wellness support throughout their educational journey.