STEM- Snacks with Scientists
STEM- Snacks with ScientistsMrs. Staffen's Computer Science and Engineering classes at the DRHS CTE Center listened to guest speakers Angel Lopez, Ph.D., and Libana Milender. In their presentation, "Snacks with Scientists," students learned about Southwest Texas Junior College's STEM mentor program, Full Steam Ahead, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology's MITES (MIT Introduction to Technology, Engineering, and Science) programs while enjoying a snack. Ms. Lopez is a neuroscientist at UT Austin who works as an instructor for the MIT MITES semester engineering program and the Full STEaM Ahead program. Mrs. Milender is a local STEM Mentor for the Full STEaM Ahead program.
In Dr. Lopez's "Snacks with Scientists" presentation, she described how the local Full STEaM Ahead mentors can help students navigate STEM-related career and educational opportunities, help them decide on a career or area of study, assist with applications, resumes, and financial aid to any school or program. She also introduced students to two MIT programs for high school juniors, MITES Summer and MITES Semester. MITES Summer is an all-expense paid 6-week chaperoned on-campus program that immerses students from across the country in the MIT course experience. MITES Semester is a free six-month remote STEM and college preparation experience. These programs aim to expand students' knowledge of STEM, teach 21st-century skills, and help increase their college preparedness. The engineering classes are part of the STEM pathway in the growing Career and Technical Education (CTE) program.
