SOFTWARE ENGINEERING PATHWAY
| Lead Subaward Institution: California State University, San Marcos | Pathway: Engineering |
| Date Funded: January 2024 | Amount Awarded: $800,000 | Project Completion: June 2028 |
PROJECT OVERVIEW
California State University San Marcos (CSUSM), Mt. San Jacinto College (MSJC), and regional school district partners are working together to connect high school learning with college preparation and careers in software engineering. The project combines hands-on programming experiences, college exploration, and coordinated pathway development to help students understand their educational and career options.
Through software engineering summer camps, students explore programming languages such as Python, build practical projects, and collaborate on coding challenges. Visits to MSJC and CSUSM introduce participants to college programs, faculty, and university students, helping them envision their next steps and learn what pursuing software engineering can look like.
Beyond summer programming, partners are collaborating on course alignment and college pathway development, including work toward an associate degree in software engineering at MSJC. Student advising and outreach help connect these educational opportunities with students’ interests and goals.
By combining early exposure, practical skill development, and partnerships across educational institutions, the project strengthens pathways from high school to community college, university study, and careers in software engineering.
Recovery with Equity Strategies: Cultivate inclusive, engaging and equity-oriented learning environments; Provide high-tech, high touch advising;
“When students write code, build something together, and meet people studying software engineering, they begin to see a future in the field. This partnership helps them explore that possibility and understand how to get there.”
PROJECT IMPACT
The Software Engineering Pathway project has expanded opportunities for students to explore programming, experience college environments, and connect their interests with future educational and career options. Through summer camps, students gained hands-on experience with Python, practical projects, and collaborative coding challenges. Visits to CSUSM and Mt. San Jacinto College connected participants with faculty and college students, making higher education more tangible. Student feedback indicated greater interest in software engineering and clearer academic and career goals. Collaboration among partners also advanced course alignment and pathway planning to support students’ progression from high school into further study.
Engaged students in Python programming, practical projects, and a collaborative hackathon.
Organized visits to Mt. San Jacinto College and CSUSM, including opportunities to meet faculty and current students.
Strengthen collaboration with Mt. San Jacinto College and regional school districts.
MSJC began working with faculty to design an associate degree in software engineering.
KEY MILESTONES
IMPACT BY THE NUMBERS
Expanding engineering education and work-based learning opportunities across the Inland Empire.
Students Served
Students served across regional Engineering Pathway projects.
Work-Based Learning Participants
Students participating in work-based learning across regional Engineering Pathway projects.
Work-Based Learning Opportunities
Opportunities across regional Engineering Pathway projects.
These figures represent regional Engineering Pathway activity and are not CSUSM-specific project outcomes.
PROJECT PARTNERS
This work is made possible thanks to the support of these and many additional regional partners.
