August 14, 2026
This summer, Illumina welcomed over 25 local high school students to its San Diego headquarters as part of the 2026 STEM Scholars Program, a two-week immersive experience designed to inspire the next generation of STEM leaders. The program is a partnership between Illumina and San Diego Squared (SD2), and combines hands-on learning, professional development, career exploration, and meaningful connections with Illumina employees. This year's cohort brought the total number of STEM Scholars participants to 100 since the program's 2023 launch.
"Our partnership with Illumina represents more than a summer program. It's a workforce development model," says Karmin Noar, chief operating officer of SD2. "Together, we're expanding access to STEM careers and creating pathways for talented students to become the scientists, engineers, innovators, and leaders our region needs."
Students learned about laboratory techniques, genomics applications, and data analysis while also strengthening skills required for teamwork, public speaking, and more.
Scholars showcase the program's impact
This year's STEM Scholars demonstrated the program's impact, sharing the skills, knowledge, and experiences they gained throughout the program.
For Brianna Torres Cabrera, who will attend UC Berkeley this fall to study biological sciences, the program helped build on a lifelong interest in biology and microbiology while exposing her to new opportunities in STEM. After earning her high school diploma while completing dual-enrollment coursework, she is preparing for the next stage of her academic journey and hopes to eventually return to inspire future students.
Rudy Galvan, an aspiring data scientist heading to San Jose State University, shared how mentorship through the program helped shape his goals. Working with an Illumina employee mentor who shares his passion for bioinformatics gave him a firsthand look at potential career paths while reinforcing the importance of lifting up others. During his senior year, he helped revive a student organization focused on supporting Latino students and connecting them with educational opportunities.
Jared Gracias, a computer science student at UC Irvine with an interest in cybersecurity, reflected on how the program helped him build confidence and develop professional skills.
"The opportunity to network with professionals in STEM made it feel more within reach," he told students. Gracias gained confidence in advocating for himself and pursuing new opportunities.
For STEM Scholars alumna Melissa Cuevas Sanchez, the experience offered something equally valuable: clarity.
Initially interested in biotechnology and biomedical engineering, Melissa joined the program eager to learn more about careers. Through conversations with employees across multiple functions, she gained a broader understanding of how organizations like Illumina operate and realized her passions lay elsewhere.
Today, she plans to pursue her interests in civil engineering and project management through UC Berkeley's Management, Entrepreneurship and Technology program.
There is no single path to success
A highlight of this year's program was an alumni panel featuring former STEM Scholars who returned to share how the experience influenced their educational and career journeys.
Many alumni described the program as the first time they had direct access to STEM professionals, mentors, and workplaces that helped them envision themselves in similar roles.
Panelists described how mock interviews and professional development workshops helped them navigate college applications, secure scholarships, pursue internships, and develop confidence in professional settings.
"One of the best things about the program was learning to use your voice," shared alumnus Timmy Nguyễn. The experience taught him the importance of asking questions, reaching out to mentors, and advocating for himself.
Other alumni encouraged current scholars to remain open to new opportunities, focus on personal growth rather than comparison, and take advantage of every connection available to them.
Their advice echoed one of the program's most important outcomes: belonging.
“The STEM Scholars program represents the incredible impact that can happen when students, community partners, and Illumina volunteers come together around a shared purpose,” says Jen Nahama, STEM Scholars program lead at Illumina. “One of the most rewarding parts of this program is watching students discover new possibilities for themselves, build confidence, and form meaningful connections with mentors who genuinely believe in their potential. Seeing these scholars recognize their own strengths, find a sense of belonging, and begin to envision futures they may never have imagined for themselves is what makes this program so impactful.”
Building the next generation of innovators
For Illumina, the partnership reflects a long-term investment in the future of science and innovation. By connecting with students, the program helps build a more inclusive pipeline of talent.
Today, STEM Scholars alumni are attending universities across California and beyond, pursuing research opportunities, securing internships, and exploring careers in fields ranging from biological sciences and bioengineering to data science, cybersecurity and entrepreneurship.
Together, Illumina and SD2 are helping students do more than explore STEM careers. They are creating opportunities for talented young people to build confidence, form meaningful connections, and envision what's possible for their futures.
