Program Description
The Verizon Innovative Learning STEM Achievers Program, led by the Pathway Programs Office and directed by Dr. Jessica Morales-Chicas (Child and Family Studies) and Dr.Mauricio Castillo (Engineering and Technology), is a three-week summer program for middle school students that takes place in our campus. Having completed its 7th year, the program has grown from serving young men of color only to now serving approximately 175 male and female youth from our surrounding service areas. At the same time, we have retained a 90% participation rate throughout the whole program. This year, close to 900 middle school students applied to participate, which speaks to our campus's response to the needs of our surrounding communities.
Promoting Science
The main scope of the program is to open the doors for thinking early about college majors by offering young students opportunities to explore Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). The topics covered in the curriculum include Coding, Robotics, 3D Printing, and Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality. Additionally, the STEM Achievers were assigned high school mentoring and college mentoring. The Pathways Program Office recruits high school students from our surrounding area to volunteer, and we also recruit college mentors from our campus of any major to mentor STEM Achievers.
Our STEM Achievers
Personal development activities in the curriculum provide the essential building blocks that significantly guide students to make a positive impact in their communities eventually. This is what our STEM Achievers are saying about the program, “My dream is to one day become an Aerospace Engineer within NASA. I love learning about robotics, AR/VR, and coding, which is super fun.” Aubrey Santos, grade 7 from El Sereno Middle School.
Success Story
Angel Bernal
The Verizon Innovative Learning Program's influence expands outside the summer camp. This year Dr. Castillo was assisting in orientation and ran into a former student, Angel Bernal.
Angel told Dr. Castillo the following, “Because of the program, I decided to pursue a college degree."
Angel will start his 3rd year at Cal State LA as a history major. “This is why I love this program!!!” says Dr. Castillo. This is certainly a way for our faculty to feel appreciated for their service to our future Golden Eagles.