Growth Sector seeks to develop EDAP, Pathway to Engineering Degrees and Careers, to economic self-sufficiency extending from community college to high-paying careers in STEM. Earn While You Learn!

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Growth Sector "Day in the Life" Video Spotlighting the Nation's First Engineering Degree Apprenticeship Pathway

Growth Sector, a national nonprofit advancing equitable access to high-wage engineering careers, today announced the release of its new "Day in the Life" video, showcasing the nation's first Engineering Degree Apprenticeship Pathway (EDAP), an innovative model designed to guide students from community college through a bachelor's degree and into engineering careers.

The video follows Patricia, an EDAP participant, as she balances college coursework with paid, hands-on engineering experience, illustrating how Growth Sector is redefining the pathway into one of the nation's most in-demand professions.

Unlike traditional apprenticeship programs that focus on short-term training, Growth Sector's Engineering Degree Apprenticeship Pathway spans the full student journey from entering community college through transfer to a bachelor's degree and into engineering careers with partner employers. By integrating education and paid work experience over five to six years, EDAP creates a sustainable pathway to long-term career success.

The Challenges:

Economic Challenges

High paying jobs, especially in EDAP fields require a B.S. degree.
Employers increasingly are seeking prior related work, internship, or research experience.

Student Challenges

Unaware of the possibilities and opportunities that exist within EDAP fields.
No clear, supported pathway for most students from entry to community college to EDAP degree.
Need for financial support to stay in school.

Growth Sector’s Strategic Response

Growth Sector’s Engineering Degree Apprenticeship Pathway

The EDAP Pathway combines academic learning leading to a B.S. degree with paid research and work experience.
This multi-year, year-round initiative seeks to open engineering opportunities to more and more diverse community college students.

Step 1 - Summer

(year 1)

  • Participate in EDAP  Summer Bridge
  • $1,500-$2,000 stipend

Step 3

(year 2)

  • University Research Internship/Paid employer internships
  • $6,400-$8,000 in wages
  • Employer driven research internships at four year universities
  • Industry internships with partner employers such as National Labs, Lockheed Martin, Caltrans and others

Step 5

(year 3-5)

  • Transfer and part time industry work until BS degree graduation
  • Earn up to $22,000 per year
  • Continue apprenticeship, working part-time during academic year and full-time during summer
  • Continue receiving academic support

Beyond

  • Engineering careers
  • Average starting wage: $100-150,000/yr and above
Pre-Apprenticeship
Apprenticeship

Step 2

(year 1)

EDAP Coursework (Math, Engineering) at your community college

Step 4

(year 2)

  • Continue transfer coursework + begin apprenticeship
  • Part-time wages up to $20,000/yr

Step 6

(year 3-5)

  • Graduate with BS and transition to full time industry work
  • Starting wage of $70-90,000/yr
  • Career wages of $100-150,000/yr and above
Pre-Apprenticeship

Step 1 - Summer

(year 1)

  • Participate in EDAP  Summer Bridge
  • $1,500-$2,000 stipend

Step 2

(year 1)

EDAP Coursework (Math, Engineering) at your community college

Step 3

(year 2)

  • University Research Internship/Paid employer internships
  • $6,400-$8,000 in wages
  • Employer driven research internships at four year universities
  • Industry internships with partner employers such as National Labs, Lockheed Martin, Caltrans and others
Apprenticeship

Step 4

(year 2)

  • Continue transfer coursework + begin apprenticeship
  • Part-time wages up to $20,000/yr

Step 5

(year 3-5)

  • Transfer and part time industry work until BS degree graduation
  • Earn up to $22,000 per year
  • Continue apprenticeship, working part-time during academic year and full-time during summer
  • Continue receiving academic support

Step 6

(year 3-5)

  • Graduate with BS and transition to full time industry work
  • Starting wage of $70-90,000/yr
  • Career wages of $100-150,000/yr and above

Beyond

  • Engineering careers
  • Average starting wage: $100-150,000/yr and above

Why Is It Innovative?

The EDAP degree apprenticeship pathway overcomes barriers to community college students seeking and succeeding in engineering careers by providing:
• A clearly defined and supported pathway beginning prior to community college enrollment and leading to transfer, a B.S. degree, and engineering career.
• Applied engineering skills, experience, networks, and confidence through integrated paid research and internships.
• Financial resources–$80-100K earned throughout student pathway to support pursuit of a B.S. degree.

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