Congresswoman Luz Rivas Presents Over $1,000,000 in Federal Funding for Technology and STEM Opportunities for CSUN

LOS ANGELES - Congresswoman Luz Rivas (CA-29) - co-chair of the STEM Education Caucus and the only Latina in Congress with a background in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) - presented over $1,000,000 in federal funding to California State University, Northridge (CSUN). These funds will support the purchase of computers, latest technology, and research equipment for the Autodesk Technology Engagement Center.

"I am proud to secure over $1,000,000 in federal funding to expand access to state-of-the-art technology and STEM learning opportunities for students across the San Fernando Valley," said Congresswoman Rivas. "With this funding, students will be able to explore STEM pathways, hands-on learning opportunities, and build the skills needed to become the next generation of leaders and innovators. I am thankful for Dr. Beck's partnership and look forward to continuing to work with the CSUN community to secure federal funding that supports education opportunities for our youth and young professionals across the San Fernando Valley."

"We are so grateful to Congresswoman Rivas for her support of the students and communities CSUN proudly serves," said CSUN President Erika D. Beck. "Congresswoman Rivas has understood from the beginning that what we build here reaches far beyond these walls, transforming lives, families, and the communities they strengthen. The funds she has secured for the Autodesk Technology Engagement Center will equip cutting-edge labs and makerspaces with the tools and technology that power inquiry, discovery, and innovation."

Background:

Congresswoman Rivas secured $1,039,000 in federal funding for Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) for CSUN to fill the Autodesk Technology Engagement Center with new computers, technology, and research equipment for its makerspace, STEM learning labs, and student success centers. This project will increase access to state-of-the-art technology for K-12 students and encourage STEM Pathways for those in the San Fernando Valley.

Congresswoman Rivas previously secured $25,000,000 during her time in the California State Assembly for the CSUN Autodesk Technology Engagement Center.

The CSUN Autodesk Technology Engagement Center opened in summer of 2025 and houses part of the Anagnost College of Engineering and Computer Science, which is among the largest in the country with more than 5,600 students. The Center is dedicated to bridging the equity gap in STEM education and preparing students from diverse communities for careers in innovation.

This is funding is part of the nearly $15 million in federal funding Congresswoman Rivas secured for California's 29th Congressional District in FY26.

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