Congratulations to the six proposals that were funded in 2025!
1. Career Center Industry Immersions - Year 2
The Career Center will host an Industry Immersion in the Bay Area focused around AI. Students will immerse themselves through experiences like company visits, executive talks, behind-the-scenes tours, and student-alumni networking. To obtain a complete picture of the industry, students will also visit and volunteer with nonprofits, community-based organizations, and activist organizations that operate within or adjacent to these industries, and complete nightly reflections.
2. Grand Challenges Scholars Program - Year 2
The Grand Challenges Scholars Program (GCSP) is a nationally recognized program by the National Academy of Engineering that calls for engineers to serve people and society by working towards the “continuation of life on the planet, making our world more sustainable, secure, healthy, and joyful." Scholars do this by completing work in 5 competency areas - Talent/Research, Multidisciplinary, Business/Entrepreneurship, Multicultural, and Social Consciousness. The Board of Regent’s grant will help: (1) build an interdisciplinary GCSP network at SCU; (2) support 5 of these scholars travel to the Annual GCSP Conference and present their work; (3) support an EFolio event on campus for all GCSP participants; and (4) provide books for a few students with the highest need.
3. Cura First-Year Program: Health Care Innovation and Design Program and Residential Learning Communities
This initiative aims to inspire students to pursue careers in dementia care by recruiting students annually for an immersive experience focused on Care for the Aging. Participants will live in a dedicated wing of Finn Residence Hall with a faculty mentor, engage in hands on experiences, interdisciplinary discussions, and career exploration in aging and dementia care.
4. The Bronco Local Journalism Fellowship Program
This pilot program will facilitate immersive, hands-on reporting experiences in local newsrooms, bridging academic learning with professional practice. Three undergraduate journalism students will build a portfolio of published work that they can use to apply for future opportunities. The students will receive a $5,000 stipend to help cover living and transportation expenses. By providing students with invaluable hands-on experience and supporting the vital role of local journalism, this program will contribute to a more informed and engaged community.
5. Social Networking Etiquette
This initiative aims to equip undergraduate students with the necessary skills to navigate social networking settings, such as cocktail receptions, luncheons, and dinners, providing students with opportunities to develop confidence and professionalism as they practice the appropriate networking skills in these social settings.
6. Bronco Ventures Accelerator Undergraduate Fellowship
This program will support undergraduate entrepreneurs in developing impactful venture backable startups. Bronco Ventures aims to engage more undergraduate students by offering them access to the Bronco Venture entrepreneurial network and resources. Since investors typically prefer founders who are fully committed to their startups, undergraduates often face funding challenges. Student stipends will serve as investment-like incentives, awarded through a pitch-style application process.