Point Loma Nazarene University creates an affordable pathway for community college STEM talent, with EDC support

COMPANY

CHALLENGE

San Diego’s Life Sciences industry accounts for nearly 60,000 jobs—double the national average—and a $54 billion economic impact. The availability of quality and diverse talent is critical for this industry’s continued growth, yet only 23 percent of its workforce is Hispanic and/or Black, compared to 54 percent of the region’s K-12 population.

As part of its commitment to the region, PLNU wanted to expand access to its world-class biotechnology program for more San Diegans. The university looked to EDC for support in better understanding how it could support regional businesses in diversifying their talent pipelines, and the challenges that under-resourced San Diego students face in navigating the world of post-secondary education.

EDC SOLUTION AND SUPPORT PROVIDED

In 2021, PLNU applied for its Bachelor of Science in Biology-Chemistry to be designated as a Verified Program (Preferred Provider) of Life Sciences talent. Though the program was designated, feedback from employers highlighted the challenges associated with accessing a private university education, especially in a region as expensive as San Diego. While PLNU was thrilled about its Verified Program designation, the university’s leadership took this feedback seriously. Under the leadership of School of STEM Dean Matthieu Rouffet, PLNU set out to build its Biotech Pathways Scholarship Program.

In addition to catalyzing this work through the employer feedback facilitated by Advancing San Diego, EDC’s team worked with Dr. Rouffet to share student demographic data and anecdotes that underscore the challenges of accessing a private post-secondary program for under-resourced communities and historically marginalized individuals. The EDC team also shared data around the opportunities for strengthening the workforce via community college talent.

Finally, EDC also connected the PLNU team to other innovative regional leaders in workforce development such as San Diego Squared (SD2) and Life Science Cares. Ultimately, the university worked to develop an incredibly supportive and well-rounded scholarship program.

VALUE DERIVED

Launched in 2025, PLNU’s Biotech Pathways Scholarship provides two years of full tuition and fee coverage for community college transfer students from Southwestern or Miramar Colleges enrolling in PLNU’s STEM majors.

Through the scholarship, students join a 10-week summer research program prior to transferring to PLNU, allowing them to connect with faculty and peers before joining them on campus. Students are provided with free housing and a stipend while they work on their research project, offering them 400 hours of hands-on experience to develop necessary skills for a career in biotech. Wrap-around services also include mentorship from a PLNU faculty member and a peer, as well as community-building activities.

As of November 2025, two students have received the scholarship. The program has ultimately provided $102,000 in value to this first cohort, with plans to more than double this impact in 2026 and subsequent years.

“At PLNU, we are committed to expanding access to high-quality STEM education and equipping students with the skills and mentorship needed to thrive in San Diego’s biotech sector. With EDC’s support, we developed the Biotech Pathway Scholarship to not only open doors for talented community college students but also to strengthen the diverse pipeline of innovators who will shape the future of life sciences in our region.”

—Dr. Kerry Fulcher, President of PLNU

Connect with PLNU:

• Website: pointloma.edu
• Social media: LinkedIn

For more information and to learn more:

Taylor Dunne

Director, Talent Initiatives

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