The Donahoe Higher Education Act sets forth the missions and functions of Californias public segments of higher education and their respective institutions of higher education. The California Community Colleges, the California State University, and the University of California are the 3 public segments of postsecondary education in the state. Provisions of the act apply to the University of California only to the extent that the Regents of the University of California act, by appropriate resolution, to make them applicable.

This bill would establish the Cal-Bridge Program as a fully intersegmental partnership program between the California Community Colleges, the California State University, and the University of California to create a pathway that promotes the advancement of Californias diverse undergraduate public postsecondary student population who major in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines to pursue STEM doctors of philosophy (PhDs) and become members of Californias professorate or leaders in Californias technology industry. The bill would specify the goals of the Cal-Bridge Program, including, among others, preparing students to apply to PhD programs in STEM disciplines, as specified. The bill would include 5 Cal-Bridge subprograms to provide resources, research opportunities, and financial support to qualifying public postsecondary undergraduate, PhD, and postdoctoral STEM scholars. The bill would also establish the ENLACE Program as an operationally independent program that works in collaboration with the Cal-Bridge Program to create pathways that prepare Californias high school and college students for all levels of postsecondary STEM education and the states STEM workforce, as specified. The bill would require the ENLACE Program to consist of the ENLACE High School and Undergraduate Program to provide support to qualifying students in high school and undergraduate studies across all STEM disciplines at public postsecondary educational institutions, as specified. The bill would authorize funding appropriated for purposes of the Cal-Bridge Program or the ENLACE Program to be used for specified activities. The bill would require the Cal-Bridge Program to submit an annual programmatic progress report to the office of the President of the University of California that includes data on implementation of the Cal-Bridge Programs activities and the allocation of funding for those activities, as specified. The bill would apply to the University of California only to the extent that the Regents of the University of California, by appropriate resolution, make it applicable.

The Donahoe Higher Education Act sets forth the missions and functions of Californias public segments of higher education and their respective institutions of higher education. The California Community Colleges, the California State University, and the University of California are the 3 public segments of postsecondary education in the state. Provisions of the act apply to the University of California only to the extent that the Regents of the University of California act, by appropriate resolution, to make them applicable.

This bill would establish the Cal-Bridge Program as a fully intersegmental partnership program between the California Community Colleges, the California State University, and the University of California to create a pathway that promotes the advancement of Californias diverse undergraduate public postsecondary student population who major in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines to pursue STEM doctors of philosophy (PhDs) and become members of Californias professorate or leaders in Californias technology industry. The bill would specify the goals of the Cal-Bridge Program, including, among others, preparing students to apply to PhD programs in STEM disciplines, as specified. The bill would include 5 Cal-Bridge subprograms to provide resources, research opportunities, and financial support to qualifying public postsecondary undergraduate, PhD, and postdoctoral STEM scholars. The bill would also establish the ENLACE Program as an operationally independent program that works in collaboration with the Cal-Bridge Program to create pathways that prepare Californias high school and college students for all levels of postsecondary STEM education and the states STEM workforce, as specified. The bill would require the ENLACE Program to consist of the ENLACE High School and Undergraduate Program to provide support to qualifying students in high school and undergraduate studies across all STEM disciplines at public postsecondary educational institutions, as specified. The bill would authorize funding appropriated for purposes of the Cal-Bridge Program or the ENLACE Program to be used for specified activities. The bill would require the Cal-Bridge Program to submit an annual programmatic progress report to the office of the President of the University of California that includes data on implementation of the Cal-Bridge Programs activities and the allocation of funding for those activities, as specified. The bill would apply to the University of California only to the extent that the Regents of the University of California, by appropriate resolution, make it applicable.

The Donahoe Higher Education Act sets forth the missions and functions of Californias public segments of higher education and their respective institutions of higher education. The California Community Colleges, the California State University, and the University of California are the 3 public segments of postsecondary education in the state. Provisions of the act apply to the University of California only to the extent that the Regents of the University of California act, by appropriate resolution, to make them applicable.

This bill would establish the Cal-Bridge Program as a fully intersegmental partnership program between the California Community Colleges, the California State University, and the University of California to create a pathway that promotes the advancement of Californias diverse undergraduate public postsecondary student population who major in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines to pursue STEM doctors of philosophy (PhDs) and become members of Californias professorate or leaders in Californias technology industry. The bill would specify the goals of the Cal-Bridge Program, including, among others, preparing students to apply to PhD programs in STEM disciplines, as specified. The bill would include 5 Cal-Bridge subprograms to provide resources, research opportunities, and financial support to qualifying public postsecondary undergraduate, PhD, and postdoctoral STEM scholars. The bill would also establish the ENLACE Program as an operationally independent program that works in collaboration with the Cal-Bridge Program to create pathways that prepare Californias high school and college students for all levels of postsecondary STEM education and the states STEM workforce, as specified. The bill would require the ENLACE Program to consist of the ENLACE High School and Undergraduate Program to provide support to qualifying students in high school and undergraduate studies across all STEM disciplines at public postsecondary educational institutions, as specified. The bill would authorize funding appropriated for purposes of the Cal-Bridge Program or the ENLACE Program to be used for specified activities. The bill would require the Cal-Bridge Program to submit an annual programmatic progress report to the office of the President of the University of California that includes data on implementation of the Cal-Bridge Programs activities and the allocation of funding for those activities, as specified. The bill would apply to the University of California only to the extent that the Regents of the University of California, by appropriate resolution, make it applicable.

The Donahoe Higher Education Act sets forth the missions and functions of Californias public segments of higher education and their respective institutions of higher education. The California Community Colleges, the California State University, and the University of California are the 3 public segments of postsecondary education in the state. Provisions of the act apply to the University of California only to the extent that the Regents of the University of California act, by appropriate resolution, to make them applicable.

This bill would establish the Cal-Bridge Program as a fully intersegmental partnership program between the California Community Colleges, the California State University, and the University of California to create a pathway that promotes the advancement of Californias diverse undergraduate public postsecondary student population who major in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines to pursue STEM doctors of philosophy (PhDs) and become members of Californias professorate or leaders in Californias technology industry. The bill would specify the goals of the Cal-Bridge Program, including, among others, preparing students to apply to PhD programs in STEM disciplines, as specified. The bill would include 5 Cal-Bridge subprograms to provide resources, research opportunities, and financial support to qualifying public postsecondary undergraduate, PhD, and postdoctoral STEM scholars. The bill would also establish the ENLACE Program as an operationally independent program that works in collaboration with the Cal-Bridge Program to create pathways that prepare Californias high school and college students for all levels of postsecondary STEM education and the states STEM workforce, as specified. The bill would require the ENLACE Program to consist of the ENLACE K12 High School and Undergraduate Program to provide support to qualifying students from in high school through and undergraduate studies majoring in across all STEM disciplines at public postsecondary educational institutions, as specified. The bill would authorize funding appropriated for purposes of the Cal-Bridge Program or the ENLACE Program to be used for specified activities. The bill would apply to the University of California only to the extent that the Regents of the University of California, by appropriate resolution, make it applicable.

The Donahoe Higher Education Act sets forth the missions and functions of Californias public segments of higher education and their respective institutions of higher education. The California Community Colleges, the California State University, and the University of California are the 3 public segments of postsecondary education in the state. Provisions of the act apply to the University of California only to the extent that the Regents of the University of California act, by appropriate resolution, to make them applicable.

This bill would establish the Cal-Bridge Program as a fully intersegmental partnership program between the California Community Colleges, the California State University, and the University of California to create a pathway that promotes the advancement of Californias diverse undergraduate public postsecondary student population who major in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines to pursue STEM doctors of philosophy (PhDs) and become members of Californias professorate or leaders in Californias technology industry. The bill would specify the goals of the Cal-Bridge Program, including, among others, preparing students to apply to PhD programs in STEM disciplines, as specified. The bill would include 5 Cal-Bridge subprograms to provide resources, research opportunities, and financial support to qualifying public postsecondary undergraduate, PhD, and postdoctoral STEM scholars. The bill would also establish the ENLACE Program as an operationally independent program that works in collaboration with the Cal-Bridge Program to create pathways that prepare Californias high school and college students for all levels of postsecondary STEM education and the states STEM workforce, as specified. The bill would require the ENLACE Program to consist of the ENLACE K12 and Undergraduate Program to provide support to qualifying students from high school through undergraduate studies majoring in all STEM disciplines at public postsecondary educational institutions, as specified. The bill would authorize funding appropriated for purposes of the Cal-Bridge Program or the ENLACE Program to be used for specified activities. The bill would apply to the University of California only to the extent that the Regents of the University of California, by appropriate resolution, make it applicable.

CONCURRENCE IN SENATE AMENDMENTS

CSA1 Bill Id:AB 2660

Author:(Alvarez)

As Amended Ver:June 24, 2026

Majority vote

SUMMARY

Establishes the Cal-Bridge Program and ENLACE Program as intersegmental science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) pathway initiatives to increase the number and diversity of students pursuing STEM Doctor of Philosophy (PhDs) and entering California’s STEM workforce.

Senate Amendments

1. Require the Cal-Bridge Program, on or before January 1, 2028, and annually thereafter, to submit a programmatic progress report to the University of California (UC) Office of the President (UCOP) that includes, for the previous year, data on both of the following:
   1. Implementation of each category of the Cal-Bridge Program's activities as specified; and,
   2. How state, federal, and institutionally based funding was allocated for the Cal-Bridge Program's activities as specified, using expenditure categories and definitions established by UCOP.
2. Make technical and clarifying changes.

COMMENTS

Cal-Bridge. The Cal-Bridge Program is a California State University (CSU)-UC partnership designed for CSU students interested in pursuing a PhD in physics, astronomy, computer science, computer engineering, or related fields. The Cal-Bridge Program was founded in 2014, by Alexander Rudolph, PhD; together with faculty from both the CSU and UC system, the Cal-Bridge Program has maintained operations for over a decade. The founder currently serves as the Executive Director of the Program and is a tenured faculty member at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (Cal Poly Pomona). The Executive Director, along with the assistance of faculty from various campuses of the CSU and the UC operate the Cal-Bridget Program. Additionally, the faculty team has a few staff members also employed at various campuses assisting in a variety of roles.

The Cal-Bridge Program utilizes research-validated selection methods to identify students from underrepresented minority (URM) groups who display strong socioemotional competencies along with academic potential and provides them with the support necessary to successfully matriculate to a PhD program, ideally at a UC campus. Undergraduate students at all 23 CSU campuses, along with California Community College (CCC) students from the 115 brick and mortar CCC campuses who are transferring to a CSU and majoring in one of the current disciplines in the Cal-Bridge Program, are eligible to apply to join the Program.

The Cal-Bridge Program recruits CSU and CCC students entering their junior year at a CSU. Once selected, Cal-Bridge Scholars benefit from the four pillars of support (as referenced in the figure below) in: 1) joint intensive mentoring by two faculty, one from their home CSU campus, the other from a nearby UC campus; 2) substantial need-based scholarships up to $10,000 per year to allow the scholars to reduce their work hours to less than 10 hours per week and focus on academics; 3) professional development workshops designed to prepare the scholars to successfully apply to PhD programs; and, 4) provide summer research opportunities, primarily through the Cal-Bridge Summer Program.  

According to information provided by the author, students who have participated in the Cal-Bridge Program have a 70% acceptance rate into PhD programs with their first application. The first cohort of students have obtained not only their bachelor of science degrees, but their doctoral degrees as well, and have joined the ranks of faculty at the CCC, CSU, and UC.

Funding for the first eight years of the Cal-Bridge Program came exclusively from the NSF. Most recently, the Cal-Bridget Program has received one-time funding in the last few Budget Acts: $5 million 2022-23, $4 million 2023-24, and $5 million 2024-25.

Undergraduate and graduate degree diversity. Data provided by the author shows that the lack of diversity in the California public university STEM faculty is a persistent problem with multiple negative consequences, from low numbers of students from historically underrepresented groups participating in STEM education and training, to the lack of diversity in the state’s science and technology workforce.

The author states, “California’s science and technology industries are a main economic driver of the state’s economy. Over 1.5 million people are employed in the tech industry in California representing 8% of the total workforce. The industry represents an even larger percentage (17%) of the state’s economy, generating over half a trillion ($526 billion) of economic activity annually. However, due to a lack of diversity in these industries, the state grossly underutilizes its talent: only 15% of the 1.5 million tech workers in California are Black (3%) or Latino (12%), and only 26% are women despite the latter two groups each comprising half the state’s population.”

Further data from the author’s office shows that the reasons for this lack of diversity are multifaceted but one key factor leading students from these groups to exit STEM educational pathways is the lack of faculty who reflect their backgrounds. The NSF data indicate that 70% of underrepresented minority (URM: Black, Latino, Native American) students who declare a STEM major do not complete their bachelor’s degree, compared with 40% for non-URM students. One of the leading causes of URM students leaving STEM majors is that the lack of faculty role models deters some students.

California’s economy relies heavily on STEM industries, yet gaps persist in both workforce supply and diversity. This measure contains an emphasis on integration across the CCC, CSU, and UC, which could reduce fragmentation and create a more seamless student pathway. This measure appears to align with broader policy goals of improving transfer, persistence, and graduate-level attainment.

Further, this measure contains a comprehensive “cradle-to-career” model. By pairing Cal-Bridge (undergraduate → PhD → postdoc) with ENLACE (K–12 → undergraduate), the measure seeks to create a full-spectrum pipeline model, which will increase the participation in STEM PhD programs by historically underrepresented groups. Research suggests that diverse faculty representation can positively influence student recruitment, retention, and success in STEM disciplines.

The Cal-Bridge Program will be administratively housed at a campus of the CSU or UC, but will operate independent of the CCC, CSU, and UC. This could raise questions about oversight, accountability, and coordination across the segments. Further, the long-term success of the Cal-Bridge Program will depend on sustained funding, institutional participation, and measurable outcomes such as PhD enrollment, completion rates, and workforce placement.

According to the Author

According to the author, there is no statewide program in place to systematically address the lack of STEM faculty diversity. The author states that, "the programs that do exist are generally one-off programs addressing pieces of the problem through federal grant funding that is necessarily time limited. The state of California has no codified program to address this long-standing and persistent problem in our higher education system. Codifying the Cal-Bridge and ENLACE programs through legislation would create such a mechanism to address this problem."

The author contends that, "the STEM public university professoriate in California does not come close to reflecting the state’s diversity. As a consequence, large numbers of students from groups underrepresented in the science and technology workforce leave STEM majors before completing their BS degree, thereby grossly underutilizing the talent of the state. California needs to enact Cal-Bridge to broaden opportunities by identifying and nurturing the diverse talent of all Californians."

Arguments in Support

According to the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls (CCSWG), "AB 2660 deeply aligns with the Commission's commitment to advancing gender equity in education and the workforce, particularly in high-growth STEM fields where girls continue to face barriers and remain underrepresented."

The CCSWG, in reflecting on their 2026 Girls Agenda stated that, "girls continue to encounter a lack of access to high school courses, career readiness and support, mentorship, and social opportunities that keep them from gaining experience and knowledge in these fields, with only a quarter of California women in the workforce working in STEM careers. Globally, women further hold only one-third of research positions and account for only 27% of STEM roles."

Lastly, according to CCSWG, "the programs proposed by AB 2660 will build a more inclusive and equitable STEM pipeline, providing girls and college-age women with hands-on research experience, mentorship, financial support, and graduate school preparation that will increase their confidence and competitiveness when applying to doctoral programs."

Arguments in Opposition

None on file.

FISCAL COMMENTS

According to the Senate Committee on Appropriations:

1. While the state has provided funding in the annual Budget Act for the Cal-Bridge Program in recent years, codifying the program in statute could lead to ongoing General Fund cost pressures in the millions of dollars each year to permanently support its operations. The 2025 Budget Act includes $5 million for the program. This bill could also result in additional General Fund cost pressures in the low millions of dollars each year to support the ENLACE program on a permanent basis.
2. The UC estimates General Fund costs of between $2.5 million and $5 million each year for systemwide administrative staff and faculty time, which includes staff on campus to administer and track information regarding participation and funding as well as buying out faculty time as needed for supporting students and advising.
3. The CSU estimates General Fund costs in the low to mid-millions of dollars each year for systemwide operating costs. This includes faculty release time, program coordinators which would be required on each campus, advising, tracking and reporting infrastructure, and intersegmental coordination.
4. The CCC Chancellor's Office indicates that the implementation costs for the community colleges should be minor.

VOTES:

ASM HIGHER EDUCATION: 10-0-0

YES: Fong, DeMaio, Boerner, Jeff Gonzalez, Jackson, Irwin, Patel, Bennett, Sharp-Collins, Tangipa

ASM EDUCATION: 9-0-0

YES: Patel, Hoover, Alvarez, Bonta, Castillo, Garcia, Lowenthal, Pellerin, Zbur

ASM APPROPRIATIONS: 15-0-0

YES: Wicks, Hoover, Aguiar-Curry, Calderon, Caloza, Dixon, Fong, Mark González, Krell, Pacheco, Pellerin, Sharp-Collins, Solache, Ta, Tangipa

ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 78-0-2

YES: Addis, Aguiar-Curry, Ahrens, Alanis, Alvarez, Arambula, Ávila Farías, Bains, Bauer-Kahan, Bennett, Berman, Boerner, Bonta, Bryan, Calderon, Caloza, Carrillo, Castillo, Chen, Connolly, Davies, DeMaio, Dixon, Elhawary, Ellis, Flora, Fong, Gabriel, Gallagher, Garcia, Gipson, Jeff Gonzalez, Mark González, Hadwick, Haney, Harabedian, Hart, Hoover, Irwin, Jackson, Johnson, Kalra, Krell, Lackey, Lee, Lowenthal, Macedo, McKinnor, Nguyen, Ortega, Pacheco, Papan, Patel, Patterson, Pellerin, Petrie-Norris, Quirk-Silva, Ramos, Ransom, Michelle Rodriguez, Rogers, Blanca Rubio, Sanchez, Schiavo, Schultz, Sharp-Collins, Solache, Soria, Stefani, Ta, Tangipa, Valencia, Wallis, Ward, Wicks, Wilson, Zbur, Rivas

ABS, ABST OR NV: Muratsuchi, Celeste Rodriguez

SENATE FLOOR: 38-0-2

YES: Allen, Alvarado-Gil, Archuleta, Arreguín, Ashby, Becker, Cabaldon, Caballero, Cervantes, Choi, Cortese, Dahle, Durazo, Gonzalez, Grayson, Grove, Hurtado, Jones, Laird, McGuire, McNerney, Menjivar, Niello, Ochoa Bogh, Padilla, Pérez, Reyes, Richardson, Rubio, Seyarto, Smallwood-Cuevas, Stern, Strickland, Umberg, Valladares, Wahab, Weber Pierson, Wiener

ABS, ABST OR NV: Blakespear, Limón

UPDATED

VERSION: June 24, 2026

CONSULTANT: Jeanice Warden / HIGHER ED. / (916) 319-3960 FN: 0003859

 THIRD READING  

Bill No: AB 2660

Author: Alvarez (D), et al.

Amended: 6/24/26 in Senate

Vote: 21

SENATE EDUCATION COMMITTEE: 7-0, 6/17/26

AYES: Pérez, Ochoa Bogh, Cabaldon, Choi, Cortese, Gonzalez, Reyes

SENATE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE: 7-0, 8/13/26

AYES: Cervantes, Seyarto, Cabaldon, Dahle, Grayson, Richardson, Wahab

ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 78-0, 5/26/26 - See last page for vote

SUBJECT: Public postsecondary education: intersegmental partnerships: STEM education

SOURCE: Cal-Bridge

ENLACE

DIGEST:

This bill establishes the Cal-Bridge Program and ENLACE Program as intersegmental science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) pathway initiatives to increase the number and diversity of students pursuing STEM Doctor of Philosophy (PhDs) and entering California’s STEM workforce.

ANALYSIS:

Existing law:

1. Establishes the Donahoe Higher Education Act, setting forth the mission of the California Community Colleges (CCC), the California State University (CSU), and the University of California (UC). (Education Code (EC) § 66010, et seq.)
2. Stipulates that the CCC is under the administration of the CCC Board of

Governors; and specifies that the CCC consist of community college districts. (EC § 70900)

1. Establishes the California State Summer School for Mathematics and Science (COSMOS) to create a multidisciplinary academic development program in mathematics and science and to enable pupils with demonstrated academic excellence in mathematics and science to receive intensive educational enrichment in these subjects. (EC § 8660)

This bill:

1. Establishes the Cal-Bridge Program as a fully intersegmental partnership program between the CCC, CSU, and UC that is independent of the CCC, CSU, and UC, but is administratively housed at either a CSU or UC campus.
2. Establishes the ENLACE Program as an operationally independent program that works in collaboration with the Cal-Bridge Program for the purpose of serving as a critical component of the state’s STEM education ecosystem. The ENLACE Program is to operate as an intersegmental STEM pathway program to serve students in high school and undergraduate studies across all STEM disciplines.
3. Requires recruitment of CCC, CSU, and UC students majoring in STEM disciplines into the Cal-Bridge Program and requires that the Cal-Bridge Program have all of the following goals:
   1. Preparing students to apply to PhD programs in STEM disciplines,

particularly UC STEM PhD programs.

• 1. Providing summer research experiences for community college and

CSU undergraduates to prepare them for PhD programs or the California STEM workforce.

• 1. Supporting students to become PhD scholars and preparing them to

become competitive postsecondary faculty candidates and leaders in California’s technology industry.

• 1. Offering postdoctoral opportunities in the UC and CSU systems to

further prepare students to become faculty in California’s postsecondary education system.

• 1. Maintaining an ongoing support network of scholars and faculty to

support the continuation and growth of the Cal-Bridge Program and to create a community of support.

1. Requires that the Cal-Bridge Program consist of the following five distinct but interrelated programs:
   1. The Cal-Bridge Undergraduate Program, which is to provide specified

types of support, including financial, mentorship, professional development, and research opportunities to CCC and CSU undergraduate scholars majoring in the physics, astronomy, computer science, computer engineering, mathematics, and statistics disciplines with the goal of supporting them to successfully apply to STEM PhD programs.

• 1. The Cal-Bridge Summer Program, which is to provide research

opportunities for Cal-Bridge undergraduate and community college scholars to conduct summer research at UC and other research sites.

• 1. The Cal-Bridge Doctoral Program, which is to provide specified types

of support, including financial, professional development, and mentorship to students in CSU and UC STEM PhD programs, particularly those in the UC system, to prepare them to become competitive postsecondary faculty candidates or leaders in California’s technology industry. The bill requires, for purposes of providing continued support through the comprehensive Cal-Bridge pathway, that eligibility for the Cal-Bridge Doctoral Program be extended to any California undergraduate who majored in a discipline served by the Cal-Bridge Undergraduate Program, who participated in the Cal-Bridge Undergraduate Program, the ENLACE Program, the UC Leadership Excellence through Advanced Degrees program, or other program with similar goals, and who matriculates to a UC PhD program in a STEM discipline.

• 1. The Cal-Bridge Postdoctoral Program, which is to provide additional

preparation for postdoctoral scholars to become competitive faculty candidates. The Cal-Bridge Postdoctoral Program is to include all of the following:

• • 1. Two-year Cal-Bridge postdoctoral scholar positions.
    2. For UC and CSU Cal-Bridge postdoctoral scholars, sponsorship

by STEM-instructing faculty and receive on-campus research opportunities under the direct supervision of faculty.

• • 1. For CSU postdoctoral scholars, the ability to teach classes at the

segment as the instructors of record.

• 1. The Cal-Bridge First Academic Scholar Training (FAST) Program,

which is to provide preparation for CCC students to join the California STEM workforce and, for those interested, to successfully apply to the Cal-Bridge Undergraduate Program. The Cal-Bridge FAST Program is to include computer programming workshops, small research projects, and research opportunities in STEM disciplines, specifically targeted at the CCC students.

• 1. The ENLACE Program, which is to operate independently from, but

in collaboration with the Cal-Bridge Program toward shared statewide STEM workforce development goals, is to consist of the ENLACE High School and Undergraduate Program, as follows:

• • 1. The ENLACE High School and Undergraduate Program is to

provide support, including academic and mentorship, to students from high school through undergraduate studies at CCC, CSU, and UC campuses majoring in all STEM disciplines, including engineering, the biological, physical, earth, and health sciences, and medicine.

• • 1. The high school programming conducted by the ENLACE High

School and Undergraduate Program is to provide summer research experiences in STEM subjects at a participating UC to qualified 11th grade pupils.

1. Requires that the Cal-Bridge Program and the ENLACE Program seek areas for formal and informal collaboration to enhance their joint missions of developing a diverse and robust California STEM workforce. The Legislature intends for the programs to explore opportunities to leverage their distinct pathways from high school through doctoral and professional degrees to create a more comprehensive and inclusive ecosystem for STEM education in the state.
2. Specifies the ways funding appropriated for purposes of the Cal-Bridge Program may be used, including financial aid to students and administrative salaries, among other things.
3. Requires, by January 1, 2028, and annually thereafter, the Cal-Bridge Program to submit a programmatic progress report to the UC Office of the President as specified.
4. States that the bill’s provisions are only applicable to the UC only to the extent that the UC Regents make it applicable.
5. Defines various terms for the purposes of the bill.

Comments

Need for the bill. According to the author, “The STEM public university professoriate in California does not come close to reflecting the state’s diversity. As a consequence, large numbers of students from groups underrepresented in the science and technology workforce leave STEM majors before completing their BS degree, thereby grossly underutilizing the talent of the state. California needs to enact Cal-Bridge to broaden opportunities by identifying and nurturing the diverse talent of all Californians.

“For the past ten years, the Cal-Bridge program has brought together the three segments of the California higher education system (CC, CSU, and UC) to provide a comprehensive, end-to-end pathway for California’s diverse STEM undergraduates to attain a PhD and join the state’s public university faculty. Cal-Bridge has already been proven successful. Multiple graduates from this program have obtained tenure-track faculty jobs in the CSU and CCC systems.

“Similarly, the ENLACE program at UC San Diego fosters binational collaboration by pairing high school and college students from the U.S. and Mexico for seven weeks of intensive, world-class research. By transcending borders and providing immersive lab experiences, ENLACE opens doors to STEM fields for traditionally underrepresented populations, inspiring participants to pursue PhDs and enriching the scientific community with diverse perspectives.”

Existing Cal-Bridge program. The Cal-Bridge Program is a partnership between UC, CSU, and CCC faculty that aims to increase the number of CSU students from groups traditionally underrepresented in astronomy and physics who complete bachelor’s degrees and enter a PhD program, particularly at one of the participating UC campuses (Irvine, Los Angeles, San Diego, Riverside, and Santa Barbara). The main Cal-Bridge Program is a partnership between 9 UCs, 22 CSUs, and CCCs, with over 200 faculty from the three systems participating. Scholars are recruited from CSU and CCC campuses across the state, with the help of local faculty or staff liaisons at each campus. CCC students transfer to a participating CSU to join the program. In the Cal-Bridge Summer Program, students are selected from the same network of all 23 CSUs and 116 CCCs to spend 8-10 weeks conducting research in STEM disciplines at one of 20 major research institutions in California and across the country. To be eligible for the Cal-Bridge Program, applicants must be 18 years old, enrolled in a CSU campus with a physics, astronomy, computer science, or mathematics major, or a CCC student transferring to a 4-year institution.

The Cal-Bridge Program has been operating since 2014 and includes participation from CCC, CSU, and UC faculty and campuses throughout the state. This bill codifies the program.

Student support and educational outcomes. Once selected, Cal-Bridge Scholars benefit from financial support, intensive joint mentoring by CSU and UC faculty, professional development workshops, and exposure to research opportunities at the participating UC campuses. Specifically, students benefit from: 1) joint intensive mentoring by two faculty, one from their home CSU campus and the other from a nearby UC campus; 2) substantial need-based scholarships up to $10,000 per year to allow the scholars to reduce work hours and focus on academics; 3) professional development workshops designed to prepare the scholars to successfully apply to PhD programs; and 4) providing summer research opportunities, primarily through the Cal-Bridge Summer Program. According to information provided by the author’s office, scholars in the Cal-Bridge Program have a 70% acceptance rate to PhD programs with their first application, a statistic that is unmatched anywhere else in the country. The first cohorts of scholars have now obtained their bachelor’s and doctoral degrees and have begun to join the ranks of California’s public university faculty.

STEM diversity and workforce development. Information provided by the author demonstrates the lack of representation in STEM degrees, particularly doctoral degrees and faculty positions, among historically underrepresented groups. According to a recent report of the National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics, “Hispanic, Black, and American Indian or Alaska Native persons collectively account for 37% of the U.S. population ages 18–34 years in 2021 and 26% of science and engineering bachelor’s, % of science and engineering master’s, and 16% of science and engineering doctoral degrees earned by U.S. citizens and permanent residents in 2020. Women were also underrepresented among degree recipients at all degree levels in physical and earth sciences, mathematics and computer sciences, and engineering.”

Proponents of the measure contend that Cal-Bridge helps address these disparities by providing financial support, mentoring, professional development, and research opportunities. Cal-Bridge scholars have achieved a 92% bachelor’s degree completion rate, compared to approximately 62% for the CSU system overall. The program has awarded bachelor’s degrees to 66 students in 2024, 66 students in 2025, and 58 students in 2026. Since the first Cal-Bridge PhD graduate completed the program in 2021, 20 program participants have earned doctoral degrees.

Cal-Bridge Program funding. The National Science Foundation funded the Cal-Bridge Program until 2022. Since then, the state has stepped in to support the program providing funding in multiple years through the annual budget act most recently with $5 million in the in the 2025 budget act.

Existing ENLACE program. ENLACE is a summer research program established in 2013 at UC San Diego and pairs Californian and Mexican 11th grade or undergraduate students for a seven-week immersive research experience in a STEM field relevant to the CaliBaja region. The program provides mentorship, academic support, and research opportunities for students and aims to diversify California’s STEM workforce in research, industry, and healthcare through providing opportunities in STEM fields to typically underrepresented students. The program has grown from 5 students in 2013 to 200 students annually. The cost to participate in 2026 is $7,500 per student, not including airfare or visa processing fees. This bill would formally establish ENLACE and Cal Bridget programs in statute and specify their missions, structures, goals, and allowable uses of funding.

FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: No Fiscal Com.: Yes Local: No

According to the Senate Appropriations Committee Analysis, this bill would have the following fiscal impact:

• While the state has provided funding in the annual Budget Act for the Cal-Bridge Program in recent years, codifying the program in statute could lead to ongoing General Fund cost pressures in the millions of dollars each year to permanently support its operations. The 2025 Budget Act includes $5 million for the program. This bill could also result in additional General Fund cost pressures in the low millions of dollars each year to support the ENLACE program on a permanent basis.
• The UC estimates General Fund costs of between $2.5 million and $5 million each year for systemwide administrative staff and faculty time, which includes staff on campus to administer and track information regarding participation and funding as well as buying out faculty time as needed for supporting students and advising.
• The CSU estimates General Fund costs in the low to mid-millions of dollars each year for systemwide operating costs. This includes faculty release time, program coordinators which would be required on each campus, advising, tracking and reporting infrastructure, and intersegmental coordination.
• The Chancellor’s Office indicates that the implementation costs for community colleges should be minor.

SUPPORT: (Verified 8/13/26)

Cal-Bridge (co-source)

ENLACE (co-source)

Alameda County Office of Education

American Association of University Women - California

California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls

Delta Kappa Gamma International - Chi State

Faculty Association of California Community Colleges

San Jose-Evergreen Community College District

OPPOSITION: (Verified 8/13/26)

None received

ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 78-0, 5/26/26

AYES: Addis, Aguiar-Curry, Ahrens, Alanis, Alvarez, Arambula, Ávila Farías, Bains, Bauer-Kahan, Bennett, Berman, Boerner, Bonta, Bryan, Calderon, Caloza, Carrillo, Castillo, Chen, Connolly, Davies, DeMaio, Dixon, Elhawary, Ellis, Flora, Fong, Gabriel, Gallagher, Garcia, Gipson, Jeff Gonzalez, Mark González, Hadwick, Haney, Harabedian, Hart, Hoover, Irwin, Jackson, Johnson, Kalra, Krell, Lackey, Lee, Lowenthal, Macedo, McKinnor, Nguyen, Ortega, Pacheco, Papan, Patel, Patterson, Pellerin, Petrie-Norris, Quirk-Silva, Ramos, Ransom, Michelle Rodriguez, Rogers, Blanca Rubio, Sanchez, Schiavo, Schultz, Sharp-Collins, Solache, Soria, Stefani, Ta, Tangipa, Valencia, Wallis, Ward, Wicks, Wilson, Zbur, Rivas

NO VOTE RECORDED: Muratsuchi, Celeste Rodriguez

Prepared by: Olgalilia Ramirez / ED. / (916) 651-4105

8/14/26 16:09:35

**** END ****

SENATE COMMITTEE ON

Senator Sabrina Cervantes, Chair

2025 - 2026 Regular Session

AB 2660 (Alvarez) - Public postsecondary education: intersegmental partnerships: STEM education

Bill Summary:

This bill establishes the Cal-Bridge Program and ENLACE Program as intersegmental science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) pathway initiatives to increase the number and diversity of students pursuing STEM doctors of philosophy (PhDs) and entering California’s STEM workforce.

Fiscal Impact:

• While the state has provided funding in the annual Budget Act for the Cal-Bridge Program in recent years, codifying the program in statute could lead to ongoing General Fund cost pressures in the millions of dollars each year to permanently support its operations. The 2025 Budget Act includes $5 million for the program. This bill could also result in additional General Fund cost pressures in the low millions of dollars each year to support the ENLACE program on a permanent basis.
• The UC estimates General Fund costs of between $2.5 million and $5 million each year for systemwide administrative staff and faculty time, which includes staff on campus to administer and track information regarding participation and funding as well as buying out faculty time as needed for supporting students and advising.
• The CSU estimates General Fund costs in the low to mid-millions of dollars each year for systemwide operating costs. This includes faculty release time, program coordinators which would be required on each campus, advising, tracking and reporting infrastructure, and intersegmental coordination.
• The Chancellor’s Office indicates that the implementation costs for community colleges should be minor.

Background:

Existing law establishes the Donahoe Higher Education Act, setting forth the mission of the California Community Colleges (CCCs), the California State University (CSU), and the University of California (UC).

Existing law establishes the California State Summer School for Mathematics and Science (COSMOS) to create a multidisciplinary academic development program in mathematics and science and to enable pupils with demonstrated academic excellence in mathematics and science to receive intensive educational enrichment in these subjects.

Proposed Law:

This bill establishes the Cal-Bridge Program as a fully intersegmental partnership program between the CCC, CSU, and UC that is independent of the CCC, CSU, and UC, but is administratively housed at either a CSU or UC campus.

This bill establishes the ENLACE Program as an operationally independent program that works in collaboration with the Cal-Bridge Program for the purpose of serving as a critical component of the state’s STEM education ecosystem. The ENLACE Program is to operate as an intersegmental STEM pathway program to serve students in high school and undergraduate studies across all STEM disciplines.

This bill requires the recruitment of CCC, CSU, and UC students majoring in STEM disciplines into the Cal-Bridge Program and requires that the Cal-Bridge Program have specified goals, including; preparing students to apply to PhD programs in STEM disciplines, particularly UC STEM PhD programs; providing summer research experiences for community college and CSU undergraduates to prepare them for PhD programs or the California STEM workforce; and supporting students to become PhD scholars and preparing them to become competitive postsecondary faculty candidates and leaders in California’s technology industry.

This bill requires that the Cal-Bridge Program consist of the following interrelated programs:

1. The Cal-Bridge Undergraduate Program, which is to provide specified types of support, including financial, mentorship, professional development, and research opportunities to CCC and CSU undergraduate scholars majoring in the physics, astronomy, computer science, computer engineering, mathematics, and statistics disciplines with the goal of supporting them to successfully apply to STEM PhD programs.
2. The Cal-Bridge Summer Program, which is to provide research opportunities for Cal-Bridge undergraduate and community college scholars to conduct summer research at UC and other research sites.
3. The Cal-Bridge Doctoral Program, which is to provide specified types of support including financial, professional development and mentorship to students in CSU and UC STEM PhD programs, particularly those in the UC system, to prepare them to become competitive postsecondary faculty candidates or leaders in California’s technology industry.
4. The Cal-Bridge Postdoctoral Program, which is to provide additional preparation for postdoctoral scholars to become competitive faculty candidates, as specified.
5. The Cal-Bridge First Academic Scholar Training (FAST) Program, which is to provide preparation for CCC students to join the California STEM workforce, and for those interested, to successfully apply to the Cal-Bridge Undergraduate Program. The Cal-Bridge FAST Program is to include computer programming workshops, small research projects, and research opportunities in STEM disciplines specifically targeted at the CCC students.
6. The ENLACE Program, which is to operate independently from, but in collaboration with the Cal-Bridge Program toward shared statewide STEM workforce development goals, is to consist of the ENLACE High School and Undergraduate Program, as specified.

This bill requires that the Cal-Bridge Program and the ENLACE Program seek areas for formal and informal collaboration to enhance their joint missions of developing a diverse and robust California STEM workforce.

This bill specifies how funding appropriated for purposes of the Cal-Bridge Program may be used, including financial aid to students and administrative salaries.

This bill would require the program to submit an annual programmatic progress report to the UCOP that includes data on implementation of the program’s activities and the allocation of funding for those activities.

Staff Comments:

The existing Cal-Bridge Program is a partnership between UC, CSU, and CCC faculty that aims to increase the number of CSU students from groups traditionally underrepresented in astronomy and physics who complete bachelor’s degrees and enter a PhD program at one of the participating UC campuses. The partnership is between 9 UCs, 22 CSUs, and CCCs with over 200 faculty from the three systems participating. Scholars are recruited from CSU and CCC campuses across the state with the help of local faculty or staff liaisons at each campus. To be eligible for the Cal-Bridge Program, applicants must be 18 years old, enrolled in a CSU campus with a physics, astronomy, computer science, or mathematics major, or a CCC student transferring to a 4-year institution. The Cal-Bridge Program has been operating since 2014 and includes participation from CCC, CSU, and UC faculty and campuses throughout the state. This bill would codify existing Cal-Bridge Program in statute.

-- END --

SENATE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

Senator Sasha Renée Pérez, Chair

2025 - 2026 Regular

Bill No: Hearing Date: June 17, 2026

Subject: .

SUMMARY

This bill establishes the Cal-Bridge Program and ENLACE Program as intersegmental science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) pathway initiatives to increase the number and diversity of students pursuing STEM doctors of philosophy (PhDs) and entering California’s STEM workforce.

BACKGROUND

Existing law:

1) Establishes the Donahoe Higher Education Act, setting forth the mission of the

California Community Colleges (CCC), the California State University (CSU), and the University of California (UC). (Education Code (EC) § 66010, et seq.)

2) Stipulates that the CCC is under the administration of the CCC Board of

Governors; and specifies that the CCC consist of community college districts. (EC § 70900)

3) Establishes the California State Summer School for Mathematics and Science (COSMOS) to create a multidisciplinary academic development program in mathematics and science and to enable pupils with demonstrated academic excellence in mathematics and science to receive intensive educational enrichment in these subjects. (EC § 8660)

ANALYSIS

This bill:

1. Establishes the Cal-Bridge Program as a fully intersegmental partnership program between the CCC, CSU, and UC that is independent of the CCC, CSU, and UC, but is administratively housed at either a CSU or UC campus.
2. Establishes the ENLACE Program as an operationally independent program that works in collaboration with the Cal-Bridge Program for the purpose of serving as a critical component of the state’s STEM education ecosystem. The ENLACE Program is to operate as an intersegmental STEM pathway program to serve students in high school and undergraduate studies across all STEM disciplines.
3. Requires recruitment of CCC, CSU, and UC students majoring in STEM disciplines into the Cal-Bridge Program and requires that the Cal-Bridge Program have all of the following goals:
   1. Preparing students to apply to PhD programs in STEM disciplines,

particularly UC STEM PhD programs.

• 1. Providing summer research experiences for community college and CSU

undergraduates to prepare them for PhD programs or the California STEM workforce.

• 1. Supporting students to become PhD scholars and preparing them to

become competitive postsecondary faculty candidates and leaders in California’s technology industry.

• 1. Offering postdoctoral opportunities in the UC and CSU systems to further

prepare students to become faculty in California’s postsecondary education system.

• 1. Maintaining an ongoing support network of scholars and faculty to support

the continuation and growth of the Cal-Bridge Program and to create a community of support.

1. Requires that the Cal-Bridge Program consist of the following five distinct but

interrelated programs:

• 1. The Cal-Bridge Undergraduate Program, which is to provide specified

types of support, including financial, mentorship, professional development, and research opportunities to CCC and CSU undergraduate scholars majoring in the physics, astronomy, computer science, computer engineering, mathematics, and statistics disciplines with the goal of supporting them to successfully apply to STEM PhD programs.

• 1. The Cal-Bridge Summer Program, which is to provide research

opportunities for Cal-Bridge undergraduate and community college scholars to conduct summer research at UC and other research sites.

• 1. The Cal-Bridge Doctoral Program, which is to provide specified types of

support including financial, professional development and mentorship to

students in CSU and UC STEM PhD programs, particularly those in the UC system, to prepare them to become competitive postsecondary faculty candidates or leaders in California’s technology industry. The bill requires, for purposes of providing continued support through the comprehensive Cal-Bridge pathway, that eligibility for the Cal-Bridge Doctoral Program be extended to any California undergraduate who majored in a discipline served by the Cal-Bridge Undergraduate Program, who participated in the Cal-Bridge Undergraduate Program, the ENLACE Program, the UC Leadership Excellence through Advanced Degrees program, or other program with similar goals, and who matriculates to a UC PhD program in a STEM discipline.

• 1. The Cal-Bridge Postdoctoral Program, which is to provide additional

preparation for postdoctoral scholars to become competitive faculty candidates. The Cal-Bridge Postdoctoral Program is to include all of the following:

• • 1. Two-year Cal-Bridge postdoctoral scholar positions.
    2. For UC and CSU Cal-Bridge postdoctoral scholars, sponsorship by

STEM-instructing faculty and receive on-campus research opportunities under the direct supervision of faculty.

• • 1. For CSU postdoctoral scholars, the ability to teach classes at the

segment as the instructors of record.

• 1. The Cal-Bridge First Academic Scholar Training (FAST) Program, which is

To provide preparation for CCC students to join the California STEM

workforce, and for those interested, to successfully apply to the Cal-Bridge Undergraduate Program. The Cal-Bridge FAST Program is to include computer programming workshops, small research projects, and research opportunities in STEM disciplines specifically targeted at the CCC students.

• 1. The ENLACE Program, which is to operate independently from, but in

collaboration with the Cal-Bridge Program toward shared statewide STEM workforce development goals, is to consist of the ENLACE High School and Undergraduate Program, as follows:

• • 1. The ENLACE High School and Undergraduate Program is to

provide support, including academic and mentorship, to students from high school through undergraduate studies at CCC, CSU, and UC campuses majoring in all STEM disciplines, including engineering, the biological, physical, earth, and health sciences, and medicine.

• • 1. The high school programming conducted by the ENLACE High

School and Undergraduate Program is to provide summer research experiences in STEM subjects at a participating UC to qualified 11th grade pupils.

1. Requires that the Cal-Bridge Program and the ENLACE Program seek areas for formal and informal collaboration to enhance their joint missions of developing a diverse and robust California STEM workforce. The Legislature intends for the programs to explore opportunities to leverage their distinct pathways from high school through doctoral and professional degrees to create a more comprehensive and inclusive ecosystem for STEM education in the state.
2. Specifies the ways funding appropriated for purposes of the Cal-Bridge Program may be used, including financial aid to students and administrative salaries, among other things.
3. States that the bill’s provisions are only applicable to the UC only to the extent that the UC Regents make it applicable.
4. Defines various terms for the purposes of the bill.

STAFF COMMENTS

1. Need for the bill. According to the author, “The STEM public university professoriate in California does not come close to reflecting the state’s diversity. As a consequence, large numbers of students from groups underrepresented in the science and technology workforce leave STEM majors before completing their BS degree, thereby grossly underutilizing the talent of the state. California needs to enact Cal-Bridge to broaden opportunities by identifying and nurturing the diverse talent of all Californians.

“For the past ten years, the Cal-Bridge program has brought together the three segments of the California higher education system (CC, CSU, and UC) to provide a comprehensive, end-to-end pathway for California’s diverse STEM undergraduates to attain a PhD and join the state’s public university faculty. Cal-Bridge has already been proven successful. Multiple graduates from this program have obtained tenure-track faculty jobs in the CSU and CCC systems.

“Similarly, the ENLACE program at UC San Diego fosters binational collaboration by pairing high school and college students from the U.S. and Mexico for seven weeks of intensive, world-class research. By transcending borders and providing immersive lab experiences, ENLACE opens doors to STEM fields for traditionally underrepresented populations, inspiring participants to pursue PhDs and enriching the scientific community with diverse perspectives.”

1. Existing Cal-Bridge program. The Cal-Bridge Program is a partnership between UC, CSU, and CCC faculty that aims to increase the number of CSU students from groups traditionally underrepresented in astronomy and physics who complete bachelor’s degrees and enter a PhD program, particularly at one of the participating UC campuses (Irvine, Los Angeles, San Diego, Riverside, and Santa Barbara). The main Cal-Bridge Program is a partnership between 9 UCs, 22 CSUs, and CCCs, with over 200 faculty from the three systems participating. Scholars are recruited from CSU and CCC campuses across the state, with the help of local faculty or staff liaisons at each campus. CCC students transfer to a participating CSU to join the program. In the Cal-Bridge Summer Program, students are selected from the same network of all 23 CSUs and 116 CCC to spend 8-10 weeks conducting research in STEM disciplines at one of 20 major research institutions in California and across the country. To be eligible for the Cal-Bridge Program, applicants must be 18 years old, enrolled in a CSU campus with a physics, astronomy, computer science, or mathematics major, or a CCC student transferring to a 4-year institution.

The Cal-Bridge Program has been operating since 2014 and includes participation from CCC, CSU, and UC faculty and campuses throughout the state. This bill codifies the program.

1. Student support and educational outcomes. Once selected, Cal-Bridge Scholars benefit from financial support, intensive joint mentoring by CSU and UC faculty, professional development workshops, and exposure to research opportunities at the participating UC campuses. Specifically, students benefit from: 1) joint intensive mentoring by two faculty, one from their home CSU campus and the other from a nearby UC campus; 2) substantial need-based scholarships up to $10,000 per year to allow the scholars to reduce work hours and focus on academics; 3) professional development workshops designed to prepare the scholars to successfully apply to PhD programs; and 4) providing summer research opportunities, primarily through the Cal-Bridge Summer Program. According to information provided by the author’s office, scholars in the Cal-Bridge Program have a 70% acceptance rate to PhD programs with their first application, a statistic that is unmatched anywhere else in the country. The first cohorts of scholars have now obtained their bachelor’s and doctoral degrees and have begun to join the ranks of California’s public university faculty.
2. STEM diversity and workforce development. Information provided by the author demonstrates the lack of representation in STEM degrees, particularly doctoral degrees and faculty positions, among historically underrepresented groups. According to a recent report of the National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics, “Hispanic, Black, and American Indian or Alaska Native persons collectively account for 37% of the U.S. population ages 18–34 years in 2021 and 26% of science and engineering bachelor’s, % of science and engineering master’s, and 16% of science and engineering doctoral degrees earned by U.S. citizens and permanent residents in 2020. Women were also underrepresented among degree recipients at all degree levels in physical and earth sciences, mathematics and computer sciences, and engineering.”

Proponents of the measure contend that Cal-Bridge helps address these disparities by providing financial support, mentoring, professional development, and research opportunities. Cal-Bridge scholars have achieved a 92% bachelor’s degree completion rate, compared to approximately 62% for the CSU system overall. The program has awarded bachelor’s degrees to 66 students in 2024, 66 students in 2025, and 58 students in 2026. Since the first Cal-Bridge PhD graduate completed the program in 2021, 20 program participants have earned doctoral degrees.

1. Cal-Bridge Program funding. The National Science Foundation funded the Cal-Bridge Program until 2022. Since then, the state has stepped in to support the program providing funding in multiple years through the annual budget act most recently with $5 million in the in the 2025 budget act.
2. Existing ENLACE program. ENLACE is a summer research program established in 2013 at UC San Diego and pairs Californian and Mexican 11th grade or undergraduate students for a seven-week immersive research experience in a STEM field relevant to the CaliBaja region. The program provides mentorship, academic support, and research opportunities for students and aims to diversify California’s STEM workforce in research, industry, and healthcare through providing opportunities in STEM fields to typically underrepresented students. The program has grown from 5 students in 2013 to 200 students annually. The cost to participate in 2026 is $7,500 per student, not including airfare or visa processing fees. This bill would formally establish ENLACE and Cal Bridget programs in statute and specify their missions, structures, goals, and allowable uses of funding.
3. Related legislation.

AB 2349 (Wilson, 2024) would have established, subject to appropriation, the Cal-Bridge Program, as an intersegmental partnership program between the CCCs, the CSU, and the UC to promote diversity in STEM fields. AB 2349 died in the Senate Appropriations Committee.

SUPPORT

Alameda County Office of Education

American Association of University Women - California

California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls

Delta Kappa Gamma International - Chi State

Faculty Association of California Community Colleges

OPPOSITION

None received

-- END --

ASSEMBLY THIRD READING

ATR Bill Id:AB 2660

Author:(Alvarez)

As Amended Ver:April 27, 2026

Majority vote

SUMMARY

Establishes the Cal-Bridge Program and ENLACE Program as intersegmental science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) pathway initiatives to increase the number and diversity of students pursuing STEM doctors of philosophy (PhDs) and entering California's STEM workforce.

Major Provisions

1. Establishes the Cal-Bridge Program as a statewide intersegmental partnership among the California Community Colleges (CCC), California State University (CSU), and University of California (UC).
2. Creates a structured pathway for undergraduate STEM students to pursue PhDs and careers in academia and the technology workforce.
3. Establishes five Cal-Bridge subprograms:
   1. Undergraduate Program (mentorship, financial aid, research opportunities);
   2. Summer Research Program;
   3. Doctoral Program (PhD support and professional development);
   4. Postdoctoral Program (faculty preparation); and,
   5. First Academic Scholar Training (FAST) Program (early exposure for community college students).
4. Establishes the ENLACE Program as a complementary, operationally independent program supporting STEM pathways from K–12 through undergraduate education.
5. Authorizes the use of state funding for scholarships, research opportunities, faculty mentorship, program administration, and professional development.
6. Provides that UC participation is contingent upon action by the Regents.
7. Defines the following terms:
   1. "Cal-Bridge Program" means the statewide program as specified;
   2. "ENLACE Program" means the program as specified;
   3. "UC" means the University of California;
   4. "CCC" means the California Community Colleges;
   5. "CSU" means the California State University;
   6. "PhD" means doctor of philosophy;
   7. "Scholars" means students participating in the Cal-Bridge Program;
   8. "STEM" means science, technology, engineering, and mathematics; and,
   9. "STEM disciplines" include, but are not limited to, all branches of engineering, the biological, physical, health, and earth sciences, and medicine.

COMMENTS

Cal-Bridge. The Cal-Bridge Program is a CSU-UC partnership designed for CSU students interested in pursuing a PhD in physics, astronomy, computer science, computer engineering, or related fields. The Cal-Bridge Program was founded in 2014, by Alexander Rudolph, PhD; together with faculty from both the CSU and UC system, the Cal-Bridge Program has maintained operations for over a decade. The founder currently serves as the Executive Director of the Program and is a tenured faculty member at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (Cal Poly Pomona). The Executive Director, along with the assistance of faculty from various campuses of the CSU and the UC operate the Cal-Bridget Program. Additionally, the faculty team has a few staff members also employed at various campuses assisting in a variety of roles.

The Cal-Bridge Program utilizes research-validated selection methods to identify students from underrepresented minority (URM) groups who display strong socioemotional competencies along with academic potential and provides them with the support necessary to successfully matriculate to a PhD program, ideally at a UC campus. Undergraduate students at all 23 CSU campuses, along with CCC students from the 115 brick and mortar CCC campuses who are transferring to a CSU and majoring in one of the current disciplines in the Cal-Bridge Program, are eligible to apply to join the Program.

The Cal-Bridge Program recruits CSU and CCC students entering their junior year at a CSU. Once selected, Cal-Bridge Scholars benefit from the four pillars of support (as referenced in the figure below) in: 1) joint intensive mentoring by two faculty, one from their home CSU campus, the other from a nearby UC campus; 2) substantial need-based scholarships up to $10,000 per year to allow the scholars to reduce their work hours to less than 10 hours per week and focus on academics; 3) professional development workshops designed to prepare the scholars to successfully apply to PhD programs; and, 4) provide summer research opportunities, primarily through the Cal-Bridge Summer Program.

According to information provided by the author, students who have participated in the Cal-Bridge Program have a 70% acceptance rate into PhD programs with their first application. The first cohort of students have obtained not only their bachelor of science degrees, but their doctoral degrees as well, and have joined the ranks of faculty at the CCC, CSU, and UC.

Funding for the first eight years of the Cal-Bridge Program came exclusively from the NSF. Most recently, the Cal-Bridget Program has received one-time funding in the last few Budget Acts: $5 million 2022-23, $4 million 2023-24, and $5 million 2024-25.

Undergraduate and graduate degree diversity. Data provided by the author shows that the lack of diversity in the California public university STEM faculty is a persistent problem with multiple negative consequences, from low numbers of students from historically underrepresented groups participating in STEM education and training, to the lack of diversity in the state's science and technology workforce.

The author states, "California's science and technology industries are a main economic driver of the state's economy. Over 1.5 million people are employed in the tech industry in California representing 8% of the total workforce. The industry represents an even larger percentage (17%) of the state's economy, generating over half a trillion ($526 billion) of economic activity annually. However, due to a lack of diversity in these industries, the state grossly underutilizes its talent: only 15% of the 1.5 million tech workers in California are Black (3%) or Latino (12%), and only 26% are women despite the latter two groups each comprising half the state's population."

Further data from the author's office shows that the reasons for this lack of diversity are multifaceted but one key factor leading students from these groups to exit STEM educational pathways is the lack of faculty who reflect their backgrounds. The NSF data indicate that 70% of underrepresented minority (URM: Black, Latino, Native American) students who declare a STEM major do not complete their bachelor's degree, compared with 40% for non-URM students. One of the leading causes of URM students leaving STEM majors is that the lack of faculty role models deters some students.

California's economy relies heavily on STEM industries, yet gaps persist in both workforce supply and diversity. This measure contains an emphasis on integration across the CCC, CSU, and UC, which could reduce fragmentation and create a more seamless student pathway. This measure appears to align with broader policy goals of improving transfer, persistence, and graduate-level attainment.

Further, this measure contains a comprehensive "cradle-to-career" model. By pairing Cal-Bridge (undergraduate → PhD → postdoc) with ENLACE (K–12 → undergraduate), the measure seeks to create a full-spectrum pipeline model, which will increase the participation in STEM PhD programs by historically underrepresented groups. Research suggests that diverse faculty representation can positively influence student recruitment, retention, and success in STEM disciplines.

The Cal-Bridge Program will be administratively housed at a campus of the CSU or UC, but will operate independent of the CCC, CSU, and UC. This could raise questions about oversight, accountability, and coordination across the segments. Further, the long-term success of the Cal-Bridge Program will depend on sustained funding, institutional participation, and measurable outcomes such as PhD enrollment, completion rates, and workforce placement.

According to the Author

According to the author, there is no statewide program in place to systematically address the lack of STEM faculty diversity. The author states that, "the programs that do exist are generally one-off programs addressing pieces of the problem through federal grant funding that is necessarily time limited. The state of California has no codified program to address this long-standing and persistent problem in our higher education system. Codifying the Cal-Bridge and ENLACE programs through legislation would create such a mechanism to address this problem."

The author contends that, "the STEM public university professoriate in California does not come close to reflecting the state's diversity. As a consequence, large numbers of students from groups underrepresented in the science and technology workforce leave STEM majors before completing their BS degree, thereby grossly underutilizing the talent of the state. California needs to enact Cal-Bridge to broaden opportunities by identifying and nurturing the diverse talent of all Californians."

Arguments in Support

According to the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls (CCSWG), "AB 2660 deeply aligns with the Commission's commitment to advancing gender equity in education and the workforce, particularly in high-growth STEM fields where girls continue to face barriers and remain underrepresented."

The CCSWG, in reflecting on their 2026 Girls Agenda stated that, "girls continue to encounter a lack of access to high school courses, career readiness and support, mentorship, and social opportunities that keep them from gaining experience and knowledge in these fields, with only a quarter of California women in the workforce working in STEM careers. Globally, women further hold only one-third of research positions and account for only 27% of STEM roles."

Lastly, according to CCSWG, "the programs proposed by AB 2660 will build a more inclusive and equitable STEM pipeline, providing girls and college-age women with hands-on research experience, mentorship, financial support, and graduate school preparation that will increase their confidence and competitiveness when applying to doctoral programs."

Arguments in Opposition

None on file.

FISCAL COMMENTS

According to the Assembly Committee on Appropriations:

1. Ongoing General Fund cost pressures of an unknown amount but likely in the millions of dollars for the Legislature to appropriate funding to support the operation and participation in the Cal-Bridge program by the UC, CSU, and CCC systems.

The Legislature most recently appropriated $5 million for the Cal-Bridge program in 2025.

1. Ongoing General Fund cost pressures of an unknown amount but likely in the low millions of dollars for the Legislature to appropriate funding to support the ENLACE program.

According to the ENLACE program's website, the cost to participate in 2026 is $7,500 per student, not including airfare or visa processing fees. ENLACE served 200 students in 2025, representing a potential annual cost to fully fund participation costs in the program of $1.5 million. To the extent participation in the program increases because of this bill, cost pressures would increase.

VOTES

ASM HIGHER EDUCATION: 10-0-0

YES: Fong, DeMaio, Boerner, Jeff Gonzalez, Jackson, Irwin, Patel, Bennett, Sharp-Collins, Tangipa

ASM EDUCATION: 9-0-0

YES: Patel, Hoover, Alvarez, Bonta, Castillo, Garcia, Lowenthal, Pellerin, Zbur

ASM APPROPRIATIONS: 15-0-0

YES: Wicks, Hoover, Aguiar-Curry, Calderon, Caloza, Dixon, Fong, Mark González, Krell, Pacheco, Pellerin, Sharp-Collins, Solache, Ta, Tangipa

UPDATED

VERSION: April 27, 2026

CONSULTANT: Jeanice Warden / HIGHER ED. / (916) 319-3960 FN: 0002752

Date of Hearing: May 6, 2026

ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS

Buffy Wicks, Chair

ABPCA Bill Id:AB 2660

Author:(Alvarez) – As Amended Ver:April 27, 2026

Urgency: No State Mandated Local Program: No Reimbursable: No

SUMMARY:

This bill establishes Cal-Bridge as an intersegmental partnership program between the California Community Colleges (CCC), the California State University (CSU), and the University of California (UC) to promote STEM pathways and resources for students. The bill also establishes the ENLACE program as an independent program working in collaboration with Cal-Bridge as a component of the state’s STEM education ecosystem.

FISCAL EFFECT:

1. Ongoing General Fund cost pressures of an unknown amount but likely in the millions of dollars for the Legislature to appropriate funding to support the operation and participation in the Cal-Bridge program by the UC, CSU, and CCC systems.

The Legislature most recently appropriated $5 million for the Cal-Bridge program in 2025.

1. Ongoing General Fund cost pressures of an unknown amount but likely in the low millions of dollars for the Legislature to appropriate funding to support the ENLACE program.

According to the ENLACE program’s website, the cost to participate in 2026 is $7,500 per student, not including airfare or visa processing fees. ENLACE served 200 students in 2025, representing a potential annual cost to fully fund participation costs in the program of $1.5 million. To the extent participation in the program increases because of this bill, cost pressures would increase.

COMMENTS:

1. Purpose. According to the author:

The STEM public university professoriate in California does not come close to reflecting the state’s diversity. As a consequence, large numbers of students from groups underrepresented in the science and technology workforce leave STEM majors before completing their BS degree, thereby grossly underutilizing the talent of the state. California needs to enact Cal-Bridge and ENLACE to broaden opportunities by identifying and nurturing the diverse talent of all Californians.

1. Background. The Cal-Bridge Program was founded in 2014 as a partnership between UC and CSU designed for CSU students interested in pursuing a PhD in STEM fields. The program has an executive director and is assisted by faculty and staff from various CSU and UC campuses. The Cal-Bridge program recruits under-represented CSU and CCC students entering their junior year at a CSU. Once a student has joined, the student receives intensive faculty mentoring, substantial need-based scholarships up to $10,000 per year, professional development, and summer research opportunities.

The National Science Foundation funded the program until 2022. Since then, the Legislature has provided funding multiple times through the annual budget act, most recently with $5 million in the 2025 budget act. Provisional language stipulates the funds be used to support fellowships, undergraduate research, salaries and benefits for postdoctoral students, scholarships for students prior to their first PhD year, faculty professional development, and administration of the program.

ENLACE is a summer research program established in 2013 at UC San Diego and pairs Californian and Mexican 11th grade or undergraduate students for a seven-week immersive research experience in a STEM field relevant to the CaliBaja region. The program provides mentorship, academic support, and research opportunities for students and aims to diversify California’s STEM workforce in research, industry, and healthcare through providing opportunities in STEM fields to typically underrepresented students.

Analysis Prepared by: Aaron Heredia / APPR. / (916) 319-2081

Date of Hearing: April 22, 2026

ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

Darshana R. Patel, Chair

ABPCA Bill Id:AB 2660 (

Author:Alvarez) – As Introduced Ver:February 20, 2026

[Note: This bill has been double referred to the Assembly Committee on Education and was heard by that Committee as it relates to issues under its jurisdiction.]

SUBJECT: Public postsecondary education: intersegmental partnerships: STEM education

SUMMARY: Establishes the Cal-Bridge Program and ENLACE Program as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) pathway initiatives that support high school, undergraduate, and graduate students pursuing STEM careers. Specifically, this bill:

1. Establishes the Cal-Bridge Program as a statewide intersegmental partnership among the California Community Colleges (CCC), California State University (CSU), and University of California (UC).
2. Creates a structured pathway for undergraduate STEM students to pursue PhDs and careers in academia and the technology workforce.
3. Establishes five Cal-Bridge subprograms:
   1. Undergraduate Program (mentorship, financial aid, research opportunities);
   2. Summer Research Program;
   3. Doctoral Program (PhD support and professional development);
   4. Postdoctoral Program (faculty preparation); and
   5. First Academic Scholar Training (FAST) Program (early exposure for community college students).
4. Establishes the ENLACE Program as a complementary, operationally independent program supporting STEM pathways from K–12 through undergraduate education.
5. Authorizes the use of state funding for scholarships, research opportunities, faculty mentorship, program administration, and professional development.
6. Provides that UC participation is contingent upon action by the Regents.
7. Defines the following terms:
   1. “Cal-Bridge Program” means the statewide program as specified;
   2. “ENLACE Program” means the program as specified;
   3. “UC” means the University of California;
   4. “CCC” means the California Community Colleges;
   5. “CSU” means the California State University;
   6. “PhD” means doctor of philosophy;
   7. “Scholars” means students participating in the Cal-Bridge Program;
   8. “STEM” means science, technology, engineering, and mathematics; and
   9. “STEM disciplines” include, but are not limited to, all branches of engineering, the biological, physical, health, and earth sciences, and medicine.

EXISTING LAW:

1. Establishes the Donahoe Higher Education Act, setting forth the mission of the CCC, the CSU, and the UC (Education Code (EC) Section 66010, et seq.).
2. Stipulates that the CCC is under the administration of the CCC Board of Governors; and, specifies that the CCC consists of community college districts (EC Section 70900).
3. Establishes the California State Summer School for Mathematics and Science (COSMOS) to create a multidisciplinary academic development program in mathematics and science and to enable pupils with demonstrated academic excellence in mathematics and science to receive intensive educational enrichment in these subjects. (EC 8660)

FISCAL EFFECT: Unknown.

COMMENTS:

Need for the bill. According to the author’s office, “The STEM public university professoriate in California does not come close to reflecting the state’s diversity. As a consequence, large numbers of students from groups underrepresented in the science and technology workforce leave STEM majors before completing their BS degree, thereby grossly underutilizing the talent of the state. California needs to enact Cal-Bridge and ENLACE to broaden opportunities by identifying and nurturing the diverse talent of all Californians.

For the past ten years, the Cal-Bridge program has brought together the three segments of the California higher education system (CC, CSU, and UC) to provide a comprehensive, end-to-end pathway for California’s diverse STEM undergraduates to attain a PhD and join the state’s public university faculty. Cal-Bridge has already been proven successful. Multiple graduates from this program have obtained tenure-track faculty jobs in the CSU and CCC systems.

Similarly, the ENLACE program at UC San Diego fosters binational collaboration by pairing high school and college students from the U.S. and Mexico for seven weeks of intensive, world-class research. By transcending borders and providing immersive lab experiences, ENLACE opens doors to STEM fields for traditionally underrepresented populations, inspiring participants to pursue PhDs and enriching the scientific community with diverse perspectives.”

The ENLACE Program. ENLACE is a summer research program that pairs current undergraduate and 11^th grade students from the US and Mexico and places them in research environments at participating UC campuses. It is currently housed at the UC San Diego Jacobs School of Engineering. According to information provided by the author:

The ENLACE Summer Research Program at UC San Diego was founded in 2013 and is now the largest binational summer research program in the United States. ENLACE pairs students from both sides of the California–México border for a seven-week immersive research experience focused on technologies benefiting the CaliBaja region. The program has grown from 5 students in 2013 to 200 students annually.

It provides mentorship, academic support, and research opportunities from high school onward, aiming to diversify and strengthen California's overall STEM workforce in research, industry, and healthcare.

By transcending borders and providing immersive lab experiences, ENLACE opens doors to STEM fields for traditionally underrepresented populations, inspiring participants to pursue PhDs and enriching the scientific community with diverse perspectives.

Previous success of the ENLACE. According to information provided by ENLACE program administrators, the program is now in its 13^th year and has over 1,300 alumni. The program began in 2013 with five students, and grew to 200 students in 2025. Of the high school students that have participated in the program, 100% have enrolled in college. Of the total participants in the program (high school and undergraduate), more than 15% are now in doctoral programs. Participants report the program has had an impact on college and graduate school choices, selection of degree program, expectations of college life, and knowledge of college and graduate school admissions processes.

Cost of the program. According to its website, the cost to participate in ENLACE for the 2026 summer is $7,500 USD, which participating students must cover. This fee includes:

• Housing for 7 weeks at the UC San Diego dormitories;
• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day of the week (all 7 days);
• Weekend field trips (3 planned for 2026);
• Personal protective equipment for the lab (safety glasses and lab coat);
• Participation in College/Graduate School Prep workshops; and
• Science & Society Lectures and Featured Scientist Lectures.

This fee does not cover airfare or visa processing fees. Scholarships are available based on financial need, and must be applied for separately.

Similar state programs currently in statute. The California State Summer School for Mathematics & Science (COSMOS) program is an immersive summer research experience that places California high school students in STEM laboratories at participating UC campuses. Founded in 1998 (AB 2536 (Poochigian), Chapter 805, Statutes of 1998), it is currently funded through 2028.

Unlike ENLACE, which accepts students from Mexico, COSMOS only accepts current Californian high school students. However, according to their mission statement, it is their intention that program participation reflects the diversity of California, and prepares California students for future careers in STEM. When the program was authorized to accept international students, they were limited to 20 students or 5% of total participants, whichever was lower. Total cost to attend the program is currently $5,300 per student.

Recommended Committee Amendments. Staff recommends the bill be amended as follows:

1. Replace the name ENLACE K-12 Program with ENLACE High School Program.
2. Clarify that the ENLACE High School Program shall provide summer research experiences in STEM subjects at participating UC campuses to qualified 11th grade students.

Arguments in support. According to the Alameda County Office of Education, “The lack of diversity in the California public university STEM faculty is a persistent problem, now further exacerbated by the federal government’s increasing opposition to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. This stance threatens to worsen existing consequences, from low participation among historically underrepresented populations in STEM education to the lack of diversity in the state’s science and technology workforce.

Within the past year, the federal government has also made extensive cuts to scientific research at California’s universities, affecting work on dementia, vaccines, women’s issues, and health problems affecting the LGBTQ+ community. While recent court rulings have forced the release of some grant funds, California must take proactive approaches to protect our STEM research infrastructure and professional workforce.

AB 2660 creates the ENLACE program to prepare high school and college students attending California community colleges, CSUs, or UCs for post-secondary STEM education and workforce opportunities. This bill also responds to federal cuts in STEM research funding and nationwide rollback in DEI programs by codifying the Cal-Bridge program to provide resources and research opportunities to students at the university level. These programs would work hand-in-hand to cultivate a pathway from secondary education to advanced doctoral research or high-level STEM careers, while ensuring that California’s scientific leadership reflects the diversity of the state itself.”

Related legislation. SB 101 (Committee on Budget and Fiscal Review), Chapter 4, Statutes of 2025, provided $5 million in one-time funding to support the Cal-Bridge Initiative. It stipulates that the funds could be used to support fellowships, undergraduate research, salaries and benefits for postdoctoral students, scholarships for students prior to their first PhD year, faculty professional development, and administration of the program.

AB 2349 (Wilson), of the 2023-24 Session, would have established the Cal-Bridge Program as an intersegmental partnership program between the CCCs, the CSU, and the UC to promote diversity in STEM fields. This bill was held in the Senate Appropriations Committee.

SB 101 (Skinner), Chapter 12, Statutes of 2023, provided $4 million one-time GF to support the Cal-Bridge Initiative. Stipulating that the funds could be used to support fellowships, undergraduate research, salaries and benefits for postdoctoral students, scholarships for students prior to their first PhD year, faculty professional development, and administration of the program.

SB 154 (Committee on Budget and Fiscal Review), Chapter 43, Statutes of 2022, provided $5 million in one-time funding to support the Cal-Bridge Initiative. It stipulates that the funds could be used to support fellowships, undergraduate research, salaries and benefits for postdoctoral students, scholarships for students prior to their first PhD year, faculty professional development, and administration of the program.

REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION:

Support

Alameda County Office of Education

American Association of University Women - California

CA Commission on the Status of Women and Girls

Delta Kappa Gamma International - Chi State

Southwestern Community College District

Technet

Opposition

None on file.

Analysis Prepared by: Sarah Cate Hawthorne / ED. / (916) 319-2087