Press Release

Senator Min’s Bill Extends University of California Youth STEM Program

University of CaliforniaSACRAMENTO, CA —Senator Dave Min (D-Irvine) today announced that Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill (SB) 1299.  This legislation continues the University of California (UC) California State Summer School for Mathematics & Science residential program, known as COSMOS, offered to middle and high school aged students with an aptitude for careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).  COSMOS has had tremendous success in educating young minds who display academic excellence and fostering their skills to better prepare them for the competitive workforce of the 21st century.  Under SB 1299, COSMOS will continue to operate at UC campuses for another five more years.

“California’s competitive foothold in the technology industry relies on the investments we make in our kids that will prepare them for the jobs of tomorrow,” Min said. “The UC’s COSMOS program is not just a pipeline for emerging STEM majors, it’s a career pathway for the next generation.  As a former UC professor, it has been an honor to partner with the UC campuses across the state to get SB 1299 across the finish line.  I’d also like to thank the Governor for his leadership and support of our world-renowned public university system.”

“UC is proud to educate the next generation of scientists, engineers, and mathematicians who will solve the most urgent challenges our society faces,” said UC President Michael V. Drake. “The University is grateful for state leaders’ support and advocacy for the COSMOS program and the extraordinary students who will be our state’s – and our nation’s – future STEM pioneers and innovators.”

COSMOS is currently operated at four UC campuses: Davis, Irvine, San Diego, and Santa Cruz. Each of these campuses host 200 or more students each summer and foster students’ interests, skills, and awareness of career opportunities in STEM fields.  The four campuses report that 52% of the program participants identify as female.

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Senator Min represents California State Senate District 37, which is located in Orange County and includes the communities of Anaheim, Costa Mesa, Foothill Ranch, Huntington Beach, Irvine, Laguna Beach, Laguna Woods, Lake Forest, Newport Beach, Orange, Tustin, and Villa Park.