Student Engagement, Exploration, and Development in STEM (SEEDS)
Despite a decade of expanded STEM initiatives, low-income and underrepresented students—especially in physics and astronomy—continue to face systemic barriers to access, engagement, and persistence.
Student Engagement, Exploration, and Development in STEM (SEEDS): An Intergenerational STEM Mentorship Program Championing Equity and Belonging
The SEEDS project is designed to examine, through mixed-methods research, the impact of mentorship and online science curriculum intervention on low-income and minoritized middle school (MS) and college students’ (CS) science identity and social capital towards Physics and Astronomy related science study and professional fields. Our proposed project is guided conceptually by Yosso’s (2005) model of community cultural wealth and Carlone and Johnson’s (2007) science identity model.
Program Implementation
SEEDS is designed as a scalable, context-responsive mentorship model. Over time, it has been successfully implemented across school-day, after-school, and summer intensive formats — each tailored to community needs while maintaining the core intergenerational structure.
Neighborhood Academic Initiative (NAI) at the University of Southern California
SEEDS has been implemented through the USC Neighborhood Academic Initiative (NAI), a college-access program serving more than 1,000 middle and high school students from racially and economically disadvantaged backgrounds in the surrounding area. Since 2022, SEEDS has enrolled more than 1,350 middle school students using a longitudinal, quasi-experimental design.
SEEDS After School Program
Starting the 2025-26 school year, SEEDS has been offered as an after-school program, which can be tailored to your school’s needs.
NEW! Rossier Justice SEEDS Summer Camp
SEEDS Glow Lab: Cosmetic Science and Innovation
SEEDS Glow Lab empowers students to explore the science behind beauty while building confidence, belonging, and a strong STEM identity. Hands-on lessons in cosmetic chemistry, biology, engineering, and data science are paired with mentorship from USC students—giving real-world skills and inspiration to create change.
SEEDS Mathletes of Los Angeles: The Science of Sport Institute
Mathletes of Los Angeles is a dynamic summer program combining STEM learning, physical activity, and interactive problem-solving. Students develop math skills, confidence, and teamwork while engaging in research-informed activities that support equity and student success.
Our Impact Since 2022
Professional Mentors Enrolled
College Students in STEM Enrolled
Middle Schoolers Served from LAUSD
Science and Math Topics Covered
“To me, SEEDS translates to innovation, community building, joining forces with other undergrad students, professors, mentors. Having that multigenerational component has been amazing to see.”
