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Stem Advantage

EIN 46-1042540 · Huntingtn Bch, CA

Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthGood75 out of 100GovernanceStrong100 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

Talent is equally distributed, but opportunity is not. STEM Advantage mentors, prepares, and inspires first-generation, low-income, and underserved college students for careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). We level the playing field by empowering talented students with access to networks, employment, and economic mobility often limited to students attending elite universities, while providing a vetted pipeline of skilled talent to businesses to fill their workforce needs.

Income
$1.6 million
Spending
$1.1 million
Spent on programs
96%
Reserves
2.4 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 92%
Employees
5
Volunteers
225

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Good: 75 out of 100. Higher than 51% of charities in its peer group (youth development, $1m to $10m).

  • Reserves

    10 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 2.4 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 1% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 32% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 130% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    96% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 2 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 64% of charities in its peer group (youth development, $1m to $10m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    14 of 15 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    15 of 15

    Has a written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    8 of 8

    Has a written whistleblower policy.

  • Record keeping policy

    7 of 7

    Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.

  • Board minutes

    5 of 5

    Keeps minutes of board meetings.

  • Board sees the tax return

    10 of 10

    Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.

  • Independent check of accounts

    15 of 15

    Its accounts were audited by an independent accountant.

  • No reported misuse

    10 of 10

    Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Impact evidence

Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.

Programs described in its return (1)
  1. $1.1 million spent. Empowering the Next Generation of STEM Leaders. At STEM Advantage, we believe talent is equally distributed, but opportunity is not. We deliver a comprehensive, student-centered program designed to equip first-generation students with the skills, confidence, and connections needed to pursue and thrive in STEM careers. Our approach includes: Career Support: Targeted career programming that strengthens professional skills and builds confidence, empowering students to secure internships and entry-level positions in STEM fields. One-on-One Mentorship: Personalized mentorship from STEM professionals who serve as role models, offering guidance, support, and career coaching to help students navigate their academic and career journeys. Professional & Career Development: Interactive workshops, career panels, and industry events that prepare students for successful job searches, interviews, and career advancement. Scholarships: Financial support that enables students to attend classes full-time, get involved in a STEM-related club, and graduate with less student debt. Community and Networking: A robust support network that fosters a sense of belonging and provides students with opportunities to build connections with peers, alumni, and industry partners.We proudly serve students pursuing bachelor's degrees in STEM disciplines across California State University (CSU) campuses in Southern California, including the Greater Los Angeles region, Orange County, and San Diego. The CSU is the largest four-year public university system in the nationan incubator for untapped talent and ideal partner for driving impactful change at scale.Power of PartnershipsOur success is fueled by strong partnerships with leading companies and industry organizations. These partners not only provide funding and paid internships but also engage their employees as mentors, participate in career panels, and hire our graduates. Currently, STEM Advantage collaborates with over 50 companies, along with numerous professional and industry organizations, to create meaningful career pathways for our scholars.A Proven Track Record of Impact and Economic MobilitySince our founding in 2012, we have empowered over 1,000 Scholars with exceptional results: 100% have graduated with a bachelors degree in a STEM field. 72% are first-generation college students from low-income families. Scholars earn an average starting salary of $75,000a sustainable, middle-class living wage that represents a 400% increase over their average pre-program earnings. Scholars are projected to earn $2 million more in their lifetime post-programestablishing financial security, building wealth, and uplifting their families and communities.Our Scholars consistently describe the program as "life-changing and empowering," underscoring its ripple effectnot just on individual lives, but across communities. They are breaking cycles of poverty, achieving economic mobility, and becoming role models for future generations.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Legitimacy checks

  1. Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.

    Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  2. Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.

    Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.

    Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  3. Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.

    On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.

    Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  4. Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.

    Most recent return on file covers the year ending December 2025.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  5. How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.

    Recognized by the IRS since October 2012.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  6. Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.

    Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.

    Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated October 21, 2026.

Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.