Caz Pereira

Caz Pereira, co-founder and Co-Director of Growth Sector, leads one of the nation’s pioneering organizations in economic and workforce development. In this role, he designs and manages innovative STEM programs through collaborative partnerships with federal and state agencies, industry leaders, and higher education institutions.

Caz has built lasting partnerships with organizations such as the Department of Defense, Department of Energy, National Science Foundation, Department of Labor, Crankstart, James Irvine Foundation, Sobrato Philanthropies, Tipping Point Community, The Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation, and the ECMC Foundation. His driving mission is to expand access to inclusive STEM pathways for women, minorities, and historically underrepresented groups, increasing their representation in high-demand fields.

Under his leadership, Growth Sector has served more than 3,000 students nationwide and secured over $70 million in funding to scale its programs and strengthen college industry partnerships. Pereira has also advanced strategic collaborations with the National Laboratories, NASA Centers, and aerospace leaders such as Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman, creating opportunities for students to gain hands-on research experience and career-launching internships.

Currently, Caz is spearheading the development of the nation’s first Engineering Degree Apprenticeship, in partnership with Caltrans, the largest transportation agency in the United States. This groundbreaking model highlighted in Forbes on April 14, 2025, represents a transformative step toward bridging higher education, workforce readiness, and equitable opportunity.

FORBES - April 14th 2025
https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbesnonprofitcouncil/2025/04/14/how-stem-corporations-community-colleges-partner-to-create-pathways-for-students/