California State University STEM Pathways Alliance (CSU-SPA) formerly CSU-LSAMP
The California State University STEM Pathways Alliance (CSU-SPA) is a CSU-wide program aimed at preparing the next generation of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) workers by providing academic support and professional development to CSU students, supported by funds from the CSU Chancellor's office. As a Professional Preparation Emphasis program, the goals of SPA at SF State are to 1) improve the retention, graduation and degree attainment of STEM undergraduates and 2) to increase the number of students who enroll in STEM graduate programs.
*In the SPA program at SF State, we employ several strategies to meet this goal including:
| Textbook & School Material Reimbursement Program | SPA participants can receive partial reimbursement for eligible textbooks and school materials needed for STEM courses each academic year. |
| Research Support | SPA participants who are conducting research with an SF State STEM faculty member can receive a stipend to help in research activities and attending scientific conferences. |
| Professional Training | SPA participants can also participate in a series of workshops focused on developing skills that will better prepare you for a research career. The workshops focus on topics such as communicating your science to various audiences, developing presentation skills, learning how to read the scientific literature--all skills anyone who aspires to be a successful scientist will have to master. |
| Other Opportunities | There are also opportunities available through the CSU state-wide network. |
*Restrictions and limitations apply. Please contact Dr. Fuse (fuse@sfsu.edu), the SF State Campus Coordinator, for details.
How to Apply
Step 1 - Review eligibility guidelines below:
- Be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident.
- Be enrolled at SF State in an undergraduate major in a STEM discipline.
- Be an individual interested in pursuing graduate studies or join the workforce in a STEM field that is outside the health profession degrees or careers.
Step 2 - Complete a 2025-2026 CSU-SPA Membership Application Qualtrics Survey (click here). *This is a prestigious award that should be highlighted on your resume or CV. Once accepted, this award is good for the entirety of your undergraduate degree.*
Step 3 - Once you’ve received an email confirmation of your program acceptance, you are welcome to apply for stipends and reimbursement requests using the forms below. After completing stipend application and/or reimbursement request form(s), please submit the document(s) to spa@sfsu.edu.
| Stipend Application (PDF) | SPA participants are eligible to receive financial support for research projects that are supervised by SF State faculty. Complete the stipend application for this benefit. |
| Reimbursement Request (PDF) |
SPA participants are eligible to be reimbursed for textbooks, partial travel, conference fees and GRE fees. Use the Reimbursement Request to request this support. Reimbursement requests must be accompanied by original receipts with the student's name and final four digits of the card or account that is used. Please note that we cannot accept or process reimbursement applications for expenses exceeding 90-days from their purchase date. |
Questions? Contact Us:
Email: lsamp@sfsu.edu
In-Person: Student Enrichment Opportunities Office, Science and Engineering Innovation Center Room 113 (M-F 10am-4:30pm)
CSU-SPA is funded through the Chancellor's Office of the California State University under grant #HRD-2308501. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Chancellor's Office of the CSU.