California’s engineering workforce pipeline is becoming stronger by expanding opportunities for students early in their educational journeys. The California Education Learning Lab’s Engineering Pathways Program is breaking down barriers for community college students by creating clear, streamlined transfer pathways into the California State University and University of California systems. 

California community college students accepted into the program gain access to a summer bridge experience that refreshes core engineering concepts and closes knowledge gaps before the transition to a four-year institution. They also secure technical internships with industry partners, giving them hands-on, real-world experience before graduation. Together, these components accelerate time-to-degree completion and equip students with the skills employers are looking for in today’s workforce.

The program’s broader mission is equally ambitious: build a more diverse, career-ready engineering workforce across California by ensuring talented community college students have a true path forward.

Early Success Metrics

• Over 300 applications received in the first cycle (Spring 2025), with 58% from first-generation college students 
• An inaugural cohort of 145 transfer students accepted from 49 California community colleges
• Student cohort transferred to 8 of 9 undergraduate serving UCs and 50% of CSUs 
• 100% of inaugural cohort students had access to technical internships with industry partners, with a 74% internship placement rate
• Growing industry engagement spanning both local partners and statewide organizations

The Engineering Pipeline project is a collaboration between UCLA, on behalf of the California Engineering Liaison Council (ELC), and Cal Poly Pomona, in partnership with the California Education Learning Lab. With critical seed funding from the State of California, the program model builds a coordinated, cross-sector ecosystem where transfer students can advance employability and companies can develop a technology workforce pipeline.

The California Education Learning Lab is a state-funded, grantmaking program, housed in the Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation and administered in partnership with FoundationCCC. Learning Lab’s mission is to improve learning and close equity gaps for students attending the California Community Colleges, California State University, and University of California campuses through strategic grantmaking that incentivizes teaching and learning innovation and streamlines pathways, in addition to convening higher ed partners. 

Learn more about the Engineering Pathways Program