High school students considering a career in the sciences received some words of encouragement and an informative conference at Ventura College on March 14.
The Mathematics, Engineering and Science Achievement program, MESA, organized the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math, STEM, conference both to foster new interest in the fields and further immerse students already involved.
MESA Director Marcos Lupian said the conference was a success with keynote speaker and comedian Ernie G and the six workshops focusing careers in nursing, pre-med, technology, engineering, mathematics and one session that combined biology, biotechnology, microbiology and chemistry. The key, he said, was to get students to follow their passion.
“When they think of going to medical school, they think it is impossible,” said Lupian. “It is possible and it can be fun.”
Lupian said the main call to action for the MESA/STEM conference
was in response to the doctor and nurse shortage.
“We needed to start promoting the science careers,” he said “You should consider majoring in these careers so the state of California can stay competitive.”
Diva Ward, the Hub Director for the California Applied Biotechnology Centers at Ventura College, split the organization duties of the conference with Lupian and also put on the biotechnology workshop.
She said that all the conferences were well attended, but the pre-med was the biggest.
“It was just really good information for the students,” said Ward. “All of us really worked together to promote science careers.”
According to Lupian and Ward, funding for the STEM conference came from many sources. MESA received funding from the Ventura College Foundation Staff Innovation Grant.
Additional funding comes from Title 5 STEM Director William Budke, MESA grant and $250 from Executive Vice President Ramiro Sanchez for the raffle. Students had the opportunity to win graphing calculators, school supplies and VC clothing from the bookstore.
Foothill Technology High School student Matt Woertink, 16, was one of the 134 students in attendance out of 10 area high schools.
Interested in a career in engineering, Woertink got a glimpse of possible careers in the field.
“I really enjoyed it,” he said. “I got a good sense of engineering and how it was used.”
Woertink’s mother, Bekki Woertink, was grateful for her son’s experience.
“I just thought it was really nice that the program was free and the community can invest in our future,” she said. “I think it was a great way for the college to get kids motivated. It was a huge bonus for (Matt).”
Overall, Lupian was pleased with the take home message of the STEM conference, and hopes that the workshops inspired students.
“Yes you can become an engineer; yes you can become a mathematician,” he said. “At least they’re thinking about it.”
