The ³Ô¹Ï¹ÙÍø College Migrant STEM Academy hosted 20 students from five Colorado regions. The residential three-day academy included courses in computer science, earth science, biology, and visits to the planetarium.
The ³Ô¹Ï¹ÙÍø State’s Title V STEM program collaborated with Tomas Mejia, State Migrant Program director, Esmeralda Martinez, SLV BOCES Migrant Education director. Marcella Garcia, project director for ³Ô¹Ï¹ÙÍø State’s Title V STEM program, said the first-ever event was a tremendous success. She said a plan is in place to host a week-long academy in the summer of 2016.
Garcia said the ³Ô¹Ï¹ÙÍø State faculty including Dr. Rob Benson, professor of earth science; Dr. Robert Astalos, professor of physics; Dr. Kristy Duran, associate professor of biology; Dr. Matt Steffenson, assistant professor of biology; and Dr. Comfort Cover, assistant professor of Management Information Systems, led students on a journey of discovery and provided culturally responsive STEM activities for students. Garcia heard a faculty member say, "These students were exceptional, so respectful and open to learning STEM content."
The Colorado Migrant Program recruited the students for the ³Ô¹Ï¹ÙÍø State Migrant STEM Academy. Requirements included at least a 2.5 grade point average; expressed interest in mathematics, science, engineering, or technology; a written essay; recommendation by a school educator; demonstrated leadership experience, and plans to attend a post-secondary program.
