The Squared Fellows program starts in August. The fellowship includes weekly meetings every Tuesday and one Saturday a month for a year. Fellows are required to meet monthly with an assigned mentor. Mentor meetings are determined by the mentor and mentee and take place during mutually agreed upon dates and times. Specific dates for activities will be sent to Fellows as they are scheduled.

Squared Fellows is a year-long hybrid program that meets weekly, combining virtual and in-person experiences designed to provide immersive learning opportunities. Fellows dedicate approximately two hours every Tuesday and one Saturday each month to engaging activities, including virtual prep sessions, in-person STEM industry site visits, and professional development workshops. Active participation and full attendance are essential, and those unable to meet the commitment may need to reconsider their involvement in the program.

Upon acceptance, the full cost of a Squared Fellow’s participation is completely covered (the value of the program is estimated to be $2000/student). In addition to program funding, Fellows will also receive a monthly grocery stipend, SD2 swag, and other perks!

There is no minimum GPA to apply. An applicant’s GPA is just one aspect of their overall application, where the stronger preference is the applicant’s curiosity and/or motivation in STEM.

Applications for our 2025-2026 cohort are due by May 31st, 2025. To receive updates about application openings and deadlines for future cohorts, please join our email list on our home page.

The 2025-2026 Squared Fellows Program will include 30-35 STEM-enthusiastic and STEM-interested students from throughout San Diego County.

If you’re not accepted into the program, you’re still eligible to apply the following year. Seniors who are not accepted into the program are not eligible to apply again as the Squared Fellows Program is for 10th-12th graders. We encourage you to apply for our Squared Scholars or Squared Interns program, which are meant for college students.

All STEM-enthusiastic (and STEM-interested) students can apply for the Squared Fellows Program. You don’t have to have perfect grades, but you do need to have a sincere interest in STEM!

It’s hard to know exactly what you want to do when you grow up. The Squared Fellows Program is for STEM enthusiastic and STEM interested students who want to get a better understanding of what a career in STEM could look like. If this sounds like you, we think you should apply!

The Squared Fellows program will be a mix of virtual and on-site sessions. An exciting part of the program is the rotational STEM site visits! Transportation is required and is the responsibility of the student (drop-off, carpool, bus, ride share, etc.). SD2 will cover the cost of any transportation needs.

Rotational site visits will occur at a variety of STEM companies located throughout San Diego County. Exact locations will be provided during program orientation along with transportation details.

Transportation to and from all in-person sessions is the responsibility of the student. SD2 does not provide transportation. However, SD2 will cover the cost of any transportation needs.

SD2 will work very closely with each Fellow to ensure they have an available transportation option so that transportation is not a barrier to participation, including funding any transportation needs (rideshare, carpool gas, etc.).

From executives to mid-level professionals, SD2 Mentors all come from unique backgrounds and are working in a STEM-related field. They are background-checked, trained, and excited to give their time and talent to help build your career in STEM!