Featured Grantees

UCSD Makes Problem-solving at Scale Possible

Gift expands UC San Diego efforts to teach engineering problem solving, far beyond its campus doors.

UCSD’s Jacobs School of Engineering has embarked on a novel effort to equip new generations with the technical skills they will need to solve problems and drive emerging industries of the future.

The school’s breakthrough “Problem Solve Like an Expert” curriculum, teacher training, and AI tools are making it possible for colleges anywhere – as well as high schools, through new high school courses that fulfill a science requirement – to teach technical problem solving at scale.

Through a partnership between the Jacobs School and the Division of Extended Studies, since 2020, UC San Diego has significantly expanded the capacity of the field to cultivate the same problem-solving skills that are a core part of the education of engineers and computer scientists at the university level.

Thousands of San Diego area high school students have already benefitted from these innovative courses, which are not typically available in the field. This grant is helping the UC San Diego team expand the number of high schools offering the A-G-approved problem-solving physics course, and will also enable the creation of similar “Problem Solve Like an Expert” courses and teacher trainings in high school chemistry and biology, for use in San Diego and across the country. 

In addition, this grant supports UCSD’s efforts to expand its recently piloted college-level problem-solving course to students of all majors. 

Notably, problem solving is the most universal skill sought by employers, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, with nearly 90 percent of recruiters saying they are looking for a candidate’s ability to solve problems. Engineers and computer scientists learn to become highly effective problem solvers as part of their education. However, these critical thinking skills are generally only taught and practiced in upper division engineering and computer science courses.   

Learn more:  Gift Expands UCSD Efforts to Teach Problem-Solving at Scale

Small Scientists, Big Ideas: The YMCA’s Approach to Preschool STEM

As the largest childcare provider in the county of San Diego, the YMCA is committed to continuous quality improvement and deepening impact in young lives. After identifying an area of growth around equitable STEM education for young children, the YMCA of San Diego County set out to create a more playful, accessible way to spark scientific thinking in preschoolers. Guided by its commitment to hands-on, child-centered education, the Y piloted three outdoor play spaces designed to nurture foundational STEM skills like problem solving, creativity, and critical thinking.

This effort grew from close collaboration between YMCA educators and families, who co-created both the physical environments and a set of professional learning resources to help teachers integrate STEM into daily routines. The process not only enriched classroom learning but also deepened family engagement and strengthened the connection between home and school.

As the program continues to evolve, the Y is expanding it to additional sites and sharing its experience with other early education organizations. The hope is that this work can serve as a helpful example of how thoughtful design, collaboration, and a clear educational vision can support young learners. Support for the project’s planning and implementation was made possible through funding from the Girard Foundation.

Learn more about Preschool at the YMCA

Building Futures: JA’s Summer Youth Employment Program

Connecting teens to paid summer jobs—that’s Junior Achievement (JA) in action. It’s a prime example of what the organization is all about. In San Diego, JA’s Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) does exactly that, helping boost workplace readiness among local high school students, and along the way, building essential life skills.

During the past two summers, more than 200 students gained hands-on experience at one of JA’s 30 partner organizations. These include Hawthorne Cat (heavy equipment sales and service), Deloitte (accounting), and Maya’s Cookies (retail). The range of industries reflects the diversity of San Diego’s economy—and the opportunities available to young people.

For many students, especially those who haven’t always had access to these kinds of opportunities, SYEP is a game-changer. It helps them meet mentors, build confidence, and see what’s possible for their future. And when young people thrive, the whole community benefits—with a more diverse, skilled workforce and a stronger local economy.

With support from the Girard Foundation, JA is expanding SYEP’s model to reach more students and partners across San Diego. The goal: scalable impact that benefits youth, businesses, and the community for years to come.

Learn more: Junior Achievement San Diego