schools
Top science research jobs lack diversity. A California college program aims to curb that
By Brittany Oceguera | CalMatters at LAist (KPCC / Southern California Public Radio)
· July 3, 2026
· 10 min read
Tré Willingham, 31, works inside a lab in Rowland Hall at UC Irvine on June 15, 2026. Willingham is pursuing his doctorate in applied physics.(Ariana Drehsler / CalMatters)For Tré Willingham, pursuing a doctorate degree at UC Irvine has felt isolating at times. Often the only Black student in hi...
Key takeaway (Ariana Drehsler / CalMatters)For Tré Willingham, pursuing a doctorate degree at UC Irvine has felt isolating at times.
Why this matters in The Los Angeles
The lack of diversity in top science research jobs is a concern that resonates deeply in Los Angeles , where the city's schools and universities are key pipelines for the next generation of STEM professionals. Programs like Cal-Bridge, which partners with University of California campuses, are crucial in addressing this issue. By providing financial support, research opportunities, and diverse mentors, Cal-Bridge helps students from underrepresented backgrounds navigate the challenges of pursuing a doctorate in STEM fields. As the program continues to grow, its impact will be felt not only in the state's academic institutions but also in the city's thriving tech and science industries, which rely on a diverse and talented workforce to drive innovation. With Los Angeles being a hub for scientific research and development, the success of programs like Cal-Bridge will be essential in shaping the city's future as a leader in STEM fields.
About this story
Original reporting by LAist (KPCC / Southern California Public Radio) . The Los Angeles surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit LAist (KPCC / Southern California Public Radio) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: schools ·
Published: July 3, 2026 ·
Source: LAist (KPCC / Southern California Public Radio) ·
Reading time: 10 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Tré Willingham, 31, works inside a lab in Rowland Hall at UC Irvine on June 15, 2026. Willingham is pursuing his doctorate in applied physics.(Ariana Drehsler / CalMatters)For Tré Willingham, pursuing a doctorate degree at UC Irvine has felt isolating at times. Often the only Black student in hi...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 3, 2026 by LAist (KPCC / Southern California Public Radio) and curated for The Los Angeles readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Brittany Oceguera | CalMatters at LAist (KPCC / Southern California Public Radio). To learn more about how The Los Angeles selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more schools coverage from The Los Angeles, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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