On a beautiful spring afternoon just about a mile from the University of San Diego campus, a whole new world opened up for dozens of U.S. students. Laughter and excitement filled the halls as more than 400 families flooded Carson Elementary School, determined to explore the world of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and use their imaginations.
Isabella Maciel, a third-year industrial engineering student at USD, said her goal is to “show kids that STEM can be fun and not as difficult as people think.”
Twice a year, elementary school staff collaborate with USD teachers and students as part of Carson's Family STEAM initiative. Carson students learn cool and exciting ways to create products to sell and purchase at events. This year, over $80 students and staff worked with young entrepreneurs and their families to explore the world around them. Activities ranged from paper airplanes, slime and weaving to carbon dioxide balloons and elephant toothpaste.
“I think hosting events like this brings the community together,” said kindergarten teacher Gloria Cuadras. “The school allows parents to take a more active role in their child's academic progress and brings a huge element of fun to learning.”
This event, which has been held since 2018, is an opportunity for USD students to get involved in the community and do what they love.
“Just being able to see the community outside of USD is a really cool activity,” said Isaiah Moore, a first-year USD engineering student.
The Shiley Marcos College of Engineering was not the only school represented. Leaders from the Mortar Board, College Corps Scholars, Mulvaney Center for Community Affairs and Social Action, and Jacobs Institute for Innovation in Education worked closely with Carson staff throughout the semester to plan every detail and activity for students. . Dehe Dr. Hahn (Chemistry and Biochemistry) and Dr. Danos (Biology) classes, Accounting Club, STEM Outreach Club, Also impacts the Linda Vista Initiative Contributed to and facilitated activities at the event.
“I feel like they are also great role models to show our students that there is something beyond elementary school, middle school and high school,” Cuadras said. “They can achieve their goals, go to college and build great careers doing what they love.”
For Paulina Gaytan, a fellow engineering student and member of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE), the opportunity to connect with the community and inspire young minds to see themselves in STEM fields is what made the experience special. Masu.
“It’s really helpful and great that USD offers this opportunity because you can’t learn everything in the classroom. Also, USD is looking forward to becoming a Hispanic-serving institution. , which not only allows USD to serve our students on campus, but also gives us the opportunity to collaborate with the Hispanic community outside of USD.”
