Congratulations to the six proposals that were funded in 2026!
1. Career Center Industry Immersions - Year 3
Following two successful Bay Area A.I. Immersions, the Career Center’s third annual Industry Immersion will focus on Innovation. Students will explore the industry through company visits, executive talks, behind-the-scenes tours, alumni networking, and cultural experiences. They will complete daily reflections and give a final presentation to the Board of Regents. The program may also expand to new regions, such as Seattle, to draw on more Regent and alumni networks.
2. Psychology Careers Experiential Pathways Program
This program will help psychology majors connect their academic learning to professional pathways through career exploration workshops, applied experiential activities, and professional skills development. Students will be mentored by and network with psychology alumni, professionals, and members of the Board of Regents through career panels and small-group conversations. Along the way, they will build professional confidence, communication skills, and an understanding of what employers expect.
3. POLI 97: Careers in Public Service Student Stipends
The Department of Political Science will launch a revised internship preparation program through the new course POLI 97: Careers in Public Service. The course will provide career guidance, mentorship, and practical skills to help students get public service internships and succeed in them. Student stipends will lower the financial barriers for students taking unpaid internships in government, nonprofit organizations, and civic leadership.
4. AI Kitchen
This new interdisciplinary initiative will give students of all majors hands-on experience with artificial intelligence tools in a welcoming, collaborative setting. Weekly “Taste Test” workshops will introduce students to AI tools and workflows through industry demos and hands-on exercises. In quarter-long “Slow Roast” projects, student teams will work with faculty mentors to solve real-world problems using AI. The projects will end with a year-end showcase.
5. Bronco Ventures at the Ciocca Center - Year 2
Bronco Ventures supports early-stage startups founded by SCU students, faculty, staff, and alumni through programs that help entrepreneurs develop ideas, gain traction, and scale their ventures. Participants benefit from workshops, mentorship, venture capital feedback, networking, and Demo Day presentations to investors. Stipends will help undergraduate founders cover startup costs and take full part in the program, encouraging more students to advance into the Accelerator.
6. Bronco Local Journalism Fellowship Program - Year 2
Building on its pilot year, this program places undergraduate journalism students in local community newsrooms for immersive, hands-on reporting experience. Fellows earn academic credit through COMM 198: Internship. Mentored by professional journalists and editors, they build skills in reporting and ethical decision-making and develop a portfolio of work. Stipends will help cover living and transportation costs, which opens the program to more students and supports accurate, community-focused reporting.