EVHCC Launches STEM Scholars Project

(MESA, AZ) The East Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is proud to present the STEM Scholars Project, (SSP) a pilot program funded in part through a grant from Mesa Counts on College and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.  SSP is an academic enrichment program for 12 Mesa public school students who have completed 8th grade and are interested in pursuing a health and/or engineering career.  SSP will assist the student in preparing for careers in the health and engineering field, as well as provide hands-on activities and tours of various medical and engineering facilities.

 The program participants will meet for four weeks, July 8 through August 1, at the Mesa Community College Downtown Center.  The students will participate in the Arizona Science Center’s STEM Kaleidoscope Science Camp, which focuses on exploration and discovery.  They will have presentations on such topics as nutrition, research, and physiology.  Lastly, the students will visit:  Mercy Gilbert Medical Center, Arizona State University Tempe and Polytechnic campuses, Mesa Community Campus, and Intel.

 Many of today’s professionals, regardless of field, have benefited greatly from the guidance provided by a mentor as they navigate their educational journey and career pathway.

 The STEMS Scholars Mentorship Project helps students of lower economic status or from educationally disadvantaged backgrounds entering high schools learn from professionals within the medical and engineering fields.  Students will be paired with medical or engineering graduate students or professionals who guide the students as they explore career options. The mentors will meet and work with their assigned students during a four-week summer academic enrichment institute and continue mentoring the students during their high school years.  Through regular communication, the mentors will review academic progress of the students, and provide specific assistance, if needed.  Quarterly group field trips or presentations will be held for all students and mentors.

 SSP is made possible by the East Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce with the support of various community partners including Mesa Public Schools, Mesa Association of Hispanic Citizens (MAHC), Arizona Latin American Medical Association (ALMA), Mercy Health, Intel, and Boeing.

 The mission of the East Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is to promote the economic growth and improvement of all business enterprises within the East Valley region of Metropolitan Phoenix.

 If you are interested in learning more about the East Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce STEMS Scholars Project or wish to make a contribution to support the project please contact Frankie Jo Rios, Director of Events at (480) 223-0157 or by email at frankiejorios@evhcc.org or Patricia Rodriguez, Project Coordinator at (480) 223-0157 or by email at patricia@evhcc.org. Our website address is www.evhcc.org.