Our Mission
SD2 connects underserved students to the power of STEM by providing education, mentorship, and workforce development, ensuring that exceptional talent—regardless of background—has the resources needed to lead within the STEM community.
See the Impact of Mentorship
Meet the San Diego Squared Family
At San Diego Squared, we believe mentorship is key to building a confident and talented workforce of future STEM professionals. By pairing students with industry leaders and providing financial support, we help break down barriers and create lasting opportunities. Explore the meaningful connections that bring our mission to life and highlight the lasting impact of mentorship.
Thank you to Scratch Media for producing the videos for our 2024 Impact Report!
2024: A Year of Transformational Growth
Support The Next Generation Of STEM Leaders
Become a Mentor Today
SD2’s mission thrives because of people like you—donors, sponsors, mentors, and community advocates. Let’s make 2025 even bigger.
SD2 Programs
Empowering Students to Pursue Careers in STEM
Squared Fellows
The Squared Fellows Program is a yearlong program for San Diego high school students interested in STEM. Through site visits, mentorship, and creating their own networks, SD2 Fellows discover why they belong in STEM and plan a roadmap for their future.
Squared Scholars
SD2 partners with innovative companies, foundations, and community leaders who are ready to invest in the future of STEM. Our scholarships come either as direct financial support or will cover the fee for STEM-centered programs offered throughout San Diego County by one of our partners.
Top STEM Majors Declared: Biology, Human Biology, Computer Science, Bioengineering, Biomedical Engineering
Squared Interns
SD2 works with STEM-driven companies around San Diego to identify paid internships for undergraduate, graduate, and PhD students. By applying to internships through the Squared Interns program, we’re able to share students’ information to champions within the company to help them succeed.
SD2 high school students had a chance to network with employees, acquire lab skills, and explore careers in STEM and business. The program was designed to strengthen students’ professional skills and to give Illumina employees an opportunity to invest in their community.
Your Company Can Help Shape the Future of STEM by Providing Both Human and Financial Capital
Explore Partnership Opportunities Today
A Look Inside
Our 2024 Site Visits
Thanking Our Hosts
Thank you to the following companies who opened their doors to SD2 students this year, allowing them to experience what it’s like to be a STEM professional firsthand:
- ASML
- Illumina
- Tandem Diabetes
- Solar Turbines
- CourseKey
- J. Craig Venter Institute
- Hologic
- Deloitte
- Qualcomm
- Neurocrine Biosciences
- Personal AI
- SDG&E
- Veracyte
Host a Site Visit to Inspire the Next Generation
Get Involved Today
2024 Community Activation
Moments That Mattered
Sunset Social
We hosted our third annual Sunset Social event in late October, hosting the entire SD2 family for an evening of networking, storytelling, and celebrations.
Mentor Ken Song, CEO of Candid Therapeutics, and his mentee Shayla Tran, a high school student, recounted their experiences from the Squared Fellows program. Shayla confidently shared her insights, highlighting her transformative journey in STEM as a Squared Fellow.
Affinity Group Dinners
Throughout the year, we hosted opportunities for San Diego’s STEM community to connect, including our STEM Affinity Dinners. These gatherings bring together students, professionals, and industry leaders to share experiences, foster mentorship, and build meaningful relationships. By creating a welcoming space for conversation and collaboration, our dinners help strengthen the local STEM ecosystem and empower individuals to thrive.
Pickleball Tournament
The SD2 Pickleball Tournament gathered individuals from around the SD2 Community – mentors, students, and board members alike – to build community in support of our mission and to enjoy some friendly competition. Paddles swung and balls flew through a 12-team bracket, and while only one team came out as the winner, all teams had the opportunity to play and connect with new people from across the SD2 family.
San Diego Life Sciences: The Next Chapter
In collaboration with IQHQ and LaunchBio, we hosted the inaugural event in RaDD, IQHQ’s new life science district. We enjoyed presentations for industry leaders, networked with future and current professionals, and celebrated SD2 Scholars.
A Message From Our President & CEO
Building a Stronger Future, Together
Mentorship is more than guidance—it’s a catalyst for growth, confidence, and lasting change. At San Diego Squared, we’ve seen firsthand how the right support at the right time can transform potential into achievement and foster a stronger STEM workforce.
In 2024, our mentors and students reached new heights, breaking down barriers, driving value for San Diego’s most innovative companies solving our most complex problems, and creating opportunities that ripple across communities.
As we look ahead to 2025, we’re committed to expanding our reach and deepening our impact, empowering even more future professionals to lead with purpose and innovation. Together, we’re building a future where every individual, regardless of their background, has the support they need to succeed.
H. Puentes
Make Your Impact Today
SD2’s mission thrives because of people like you—donors, sponsors, mentors, and community advocates. Let’s make 2025 even bigger!