San Jose State students and faculty members welcomed elementary and middle school students to the “Science Extravaganza,” at the Student Union, Saturday.
Eight different San Jose schools had students attend the program to participate in workshops and listen to keynote lectures.
“So these kids come in from different kinds of communities in San Jose,” said Lesley Becerra, industrial and systems engineering senior. “We really want to ensure that they have a really good understanding of what STEM is.”
Becerra, one of the masters of ceremony for the extravaganza said the event is held in order to inspire elementary and middle school students to excel within the Jay Pinson STEM Education Program.
The program aims to inspire the youth to become part of the science, technology, engineering and mathematics industries.
The Society of Latino Engineers and Scientists collaborated with The Charles W. Davidson College of Engineering and Latinos in Science and Engineering to run the program.
It was also an opportunity for the young students to explore their interests.
Students at the event witnessed an environment of college-level STEM education.
Despite the age gap, Becerra said she believes that the young students at the extravaganza looked up to the college students teaching them.
In some of the workshops, the pupils built bridges and roller coasters with crafting materials.
Participants then tested the bridge’s strength and endurance by placing an item on top of it to see if it would break or not.
The goal of the workshop was for each student to explain and find a solution if their creation failed to succeed.
“What I like the most is the roller coaster. It’s fun. It’s a little simpler,” said Jacob Muñoz, a seventh grader from Joseph George Middle School.
Miguel Márquez, Santa Clara County Chief Operating Officer, was the first keynote speaker during lunch time in the Student Union Ballroom.
Márquez shared his childhood story about growing up in a low-income household. He said when his family opened a restaurant, he had to work there during his teenage years while also going to school.
“That was a lot of hard work, but I worked really hard and I knew for my parents because they didn’t have a chance to go to school, that school was the way,” Márquez said. “If I work hard I could have a better life here in the United States of America.”
Márquez was admitted to Stanford University and then decided to pursue his Masters degree at Harvard University.
When he landed a job after graduate school, he said that he would rather go back to school instead of working. He then decided to go to law school after working for a few years.
After sharing his story, Marquez wanted everyone in the audience to know that hard work is the answer to finding success for students.
“Keep working hard, make the best grade you can make, go to school everyday, and chase your dreams,” Márquez said.
