Students with an interest in the math and science fields are encouraged to join an exciting new program called S.T.E.M. Power.
Sponsored by the S.T.E.M. grant at Ventura College, the program is dedicated to providing support and services to students majoring in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics disciplines. The program is geared toward increasing the number of students that transfer to California State University, Channel Islands or University of California, Santa Barbara.
Gema Espinoza, the Student Outreach Specialist, provides ongoing support for students in S.T.E.M.
“The S.T.E.M. program has several goals,” said Espinoza. “One is to give students hands-on experience using high-tech S.T.E.M. equipment. Another is to show students the interdisciplinary nature of S.T.E.M. research. A S.T.E.M. class seemed the best way of reaching these goals.”
Espinoza handles recruitment for the program, identifying current students and recent high school graduates with an interest in any of the S.T.E.M. majors. Almost 150 students are currently associated with the program.
Jonathan Couey, a 20-year-old mechanical engineering major, is among the students involved with S.T.E.M.
“The program is useful because it allows us to have one-on-one interactions with a specialist in our intended major,” said Couey. “It’s like having another counselor.”
Students who join S.T.E.M. will find a number of opportunities knocking on their door. Those involved with the program receive valuable information regarding scholarships and internships in their field of study. Students also get the chance to meet with professionals from a variety of S.T.E.M. fields and get proper training on how to use state-of-the-art equipment. S.T.E.M. also offers one-on-one tutoring and mentoring services.
Carlos Maciel, a 20-year-old civil engineering major, is very pleased with another benefit that comes with joining S.T.E.M.: receiving a book waiver for math and science classes.
“I’ve saved about $600 dollars on books this semester,” said Maciel.
S.T.E.M. Power is currently looking for students to join the “Introduction to S.T.E.M. Disciplines” class next semester, a one-unit course that will help undeclared S.T.E.M. students find the major that is right for them.
“The class is geared towards helping students focus on what research interests them, so undeclared S.T.E.M. students would be best served,” said Espinoza. “Having said that, however, the class is open to anyone who wishes to enroll.”
According to Espinoza and Jamie Whiteford, professor for the S.T.E.M. class, students can expect to work in a fun, interactive, and informative environment.
The class will help students find the right major, but the course will also guide these students down the proper career path. The class is designed to help students identify what they would like to do within their selected major.
“Anyone interested in S.T.E.M.-related research and excited by the idea of using high-tech equipment should definitely take this class,” said Espinoza.
