STEM Accelerator

• What is STEM Accelerator?

  

  STEM Accelerator
  Accelerate. Achieve. Advance.

  The STEM Accelerator program is designed for students who are not first generation or in a STEM major that doesn't include calculus.  It is a dynamic academic support program designed to empower low-income STEM students on their path to success. Located at the heart of campus, the program provides dedicated STEM counseling, a welcoming study space, and easy access to tutoring, study groups, and peer mentors. Students benefit from enriching field trips and real-world industry exposure, all within a community focused on helping students to accelerate their progress, achieve their academic goals, and advance toward STEM careers.

  Some Benefits of STEM Accelerator include:

  • Dedicated study area
  • STEM counseling housed in the STEM Accelerator space
  • Support from peer mentors
  • Proximity to STEM tutoring and study groups
  • Access to college campus trips, industry field trips, professional memberships, and other enrichment activities such as:
    • California State University Fullerton Engineering and Computer Science Career Fair
    • University of California Riverside College of Natural Sciences Tour
    • Finals Sip and Study Session
    • End of semester board game party
    • Biology Student Mixer

   

  Check Your eligibility and Apply 

• The STEM Accelerator Center

  Students in the program may use the STEM Accelerator space anytime it is open to study, collaborate, or make use of resources in the center.

  Features of the STEM Accelerator Center:

  • Open study space
  • Meeting room
  • Peer Mentors
  • Free printing
  • On campus events throughout the semester
  • Dedicated STEM Counselors
• The STEM Accelerator Team

  Mayra Frias (She/Her)	Gerardo Lopez (He/Him)	Angeline Villar (She/Her)
  Counselor Hello! My name is Mayra Frias and I am a MESA & General Counselor. I began my educational journey at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (B.A. in Psychology and minor in Mathematics) and continued into my master's program at Azusa Pacific University in College Counseling and Student Development. I am a first-generation student college graduate, and I am happy to serve as an educator at Orange Coast College. I have been a counselor at OCC for the last eight years and have served as the STEM Academy counselor, Puente Counselor, and general counselor. Fun Facts: I am a wife, mother to two amazing children, and have two dogs, a boxer and chihuahua mix.	Counselor I am a first-generation college graduate and counseling professional who has served students for over 10 years across the UC, CSU, and California Community College systems. I earned my Associate’s degree in General Studies from El Camino College, a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from UCLA, and a Master’s degree in Counseling from CSULB. For the past nine years, I have worked closely with STEM students, developing a deep understanding of the barriers they navigate in pursuit of their goals. My work is grounded in an equity-minded, student-centered approach, where I empower students to pursue their passions. As a first-generation graduate and professional, I bring both expertise and lived experience to my counseling practice, fostering authentic connections and a sense of belonging. Fun fact: I am also an Army veteran and a professional Latin dancer.	Program Coordinator Hello! My name is Angeline Villar and I am the Program Coordinator for STEM Accelerator. I graduated from California State University of Fullerton with a B.S. in Human Services. I have worked with many students throughout my professional journey ranging from jr. high to college students. Being able to provide a safe space for them to unwind, study, or listen to their ideas and feedback is something that I am passionate about. Working at OCC has provided me the opportunity to do exactly that which I am very grateful for. Some fun facts about me are my favorite food is sushi, I love playing recreational volleyball, and I have a pet bird named Luffy named after the main character from One Piece (which I have never watched).

Contact and Hours