The Achievement Institute of Scientific Studies (Achievement Institute) was founded in 1997 by Paul Riordan, a retired administrator and educator, after witnessing many of his students graduating without the skills needed to earn living wages or enroll in universities to achieve degrees that would guarantee gainful employment. Today, the Achievement Institute assists high achieving, low-income students in Orange County to gain acceptance to major colleges and universities in STEM fields of study. Our students then obtain high-paying STEM jobs that turn the tide of poverty for them and their families. We accomplish this goal by providing students with a full array of support services which includes: career counseling, educational goals/business planning, exposure opportunities in STEM fields, mentorship opportunities from professionals in STEM fields, participation in STEM project-based learning and hands-on activities, life/soft skills training, cultural capital building, financial education, scholarships, grants, and Financial Aid assistance, advanced math and college writing preparation, college application assistance, and parent support.
In 1997, technology, medicine, and engineering fields held the best prospects for job growth. Through this realization, the Achievement Institute launched its pilot program in 2001 to provide academically talented but underserved students in Orange County with a pathway to obtain a college education in Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields. By earning a college degree in STEM fields, students would obtain high-paying jobs and break generational cycles of poverty in their families.
The Achievement Institute launched the College to Career Readiness STEM Program in 2001, which leverages applied science and technology careers as a way of changing the trajectory of the lives of youth from economically disadvantaged areas and families. With over seventy-five percent of the U.S. workforce today requiring significant skills in STEM occupations, the Achievement Institute is highly relevant for allowing economically disadvantaged youth to succeed in a competitive job market. Since 2003, 169 scholars have completed our program, and 100% have been accepted to four-year universities. In addition, over 450 individuals/families benefit from services offered by the Achievement Institute, including parent education, educational field trips, parent support, and Financial Literacy workshops.
Core Services
Achievement Institute offers an array of evidence-informed activities including: STEM Career Awareness: Our scholars participate in numerous Science and Engineering seminars that focus on various career fields. Each summer, our scholars also participate in externship opportunities with our partners. Mentorship: Each scholar receives one-on-one mentorship from a professional in the STEM fields. Mentors meet with students once per quarter to advise them on academic and career options.
Life/Soft Skills and Cultural Capital Development: Scholars learn problem-solving and critical thinking skills, time management, effective communication, networking, workload management, leadership, teamwork, and proper business etiquette and decorum at work.
Educational Development: Our scholars participate in research and project development activities, advanced scientific writing, and audio-visual presentations that develop proficiency in STEM subject matters. Business Plan: Scholars create an educational business portfolio in preparation for the college admission process. Each portfolio includes a personal profile, resume, college and scholarship research, college admissions essays, implementation plan, and business card.
College Navigation: We support students with navigating the complex process of preparing for college: choosing the right career path based on skills and interests; applying for college; applying for scholarships, grants, and other Financial Aid; selecting the ideal university; and excelling in the college admission standardized tests (SAT/ACT).
Parent Education: The Achievement Institute facilitates two Parent Financial Literacy Workshops each year that promote awareness of college financial aid packages. We also offer a Parent Conference, Study Trips to tour college campuses, and other parent education seminars.
Alumni Support: We continue to track and engage with our alumni well after they graduate from our program. We remain in contact with alumni who reach out for mentoring throughout college and beyond. Our alumni serve the Achievement Institute by mentoring, engaging, or encouraging our current scholars. Many work or volunteer in the summer program as academic advisors, writing and mathematics instructors, or reviewers of college essays.
Business Review
An excellent organization assisting students from the city of Santa Ana who are high achieving in Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math. They have my 100% endorsement. - Dr. Ron Raya.
Love this organization! They select the brightest students and run them through a rigorous program that produces results. Their staff, board, and supporters are engaged in a way that instills important and relevant lessons to make every alum successful. -Michael S.
“The influence that AISS has had on me is immeasurable. AISS helped me find my voice and the courage to speak in front of an audience even when I am a nervous wreck on the inside. I would not be where I am without the support they gave me throughout my time as a scholar. I am glad to be able to give back to the future classes of scholars and pass on the knowledge I have obtained through my experiences.”- Rafael Ramirez
