HESTEC Impact Report 2014

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REV-O-LU-TION: noun \re-və-ˈlü-shən\ IMPACT REPORT A fundamental2014 change in the way of thinking about or visualizing something: a change of paradigm

STEM

THE

Revolution

“Revolution,” def. 4d Merriam-Webster Web. 14, Nov 2014.

HESTEC 2014

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“In order for America to be competitive in a global market our students must immerse themselves in STEM fields. Opportunities exist worldwide for those who choose a career path in STEM fields. Why not have our children from deep South Texas be the ones to lead the way?”

- Congressman Rubén Hinojosa (TX-15)

HESTEC 2014

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HESTEC 2014

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12 Educator Day

18

Student Leadership Day

22

Latina Day

26

Robotics Day

HESTEC 2014

30

6

Introduction

8

HESTEC Overview

16

Congressional Roundtable

34

UTPA Student Organizations

37

Instrumentation

38

Conclusion

39

Acknowledgments

U.S. Navy SeaPerch Challenge

32

CommunityHESTEC Day 2014

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Contents

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Introduction HESTEC has over a decade of commitment to promoting science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields and STEM education. To continue its tradition of inspiring young students, HESTEC introduced the STEM REVOLUTION in 2014.

HESTEC offers high-quality, powerful presentations that promote a college-going culture by encouraging students to be open to the idea of exploring STEM-related courses of study. It also hopes to influence students to think about their educational attainment. HESTEC hosts keynote speakers and a variety of engaging presentations for students, parents and educators from across the region.

For years, support from educational partners and corporate sponsors in collaboration with a strong commitment from UTPA has brought leading experts who share cutting edge technology and presentations that inspire and motivate beyond words. The unwavering support from strong committed educational partners and corporate sponsors keeps this iconic event impacting the lives of many.

HESTEC’s roots are planted on firm ground staying true to its mission, that is to bridge the gap of underrepresented minorities in STEM fields, and committing to evidenced-based approaches in education.

The HESTEC revolution continues to evolve and provide impactful and rich experiences relating to STEM and STEM related careers.

HESTEC 2014

Introduction continued

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The creation of a new university was approved by the UT System Board of Regents in 2013 and is expected to come to fruition in the Fall of 2015. It is then that the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) will come to exist. As a tribute to the new University and its medical school, HESTEC 2014 revolutionized its program emphasis by including facets of medical technology for students and community members to enjoy.

The event’s highlights include: the interaction between professionals in STEM related careers and STEM educators on Educator Day, Student Leadership Day, and Latina Day. Other highlights include the action-packed Robotics Day and a Community Day where the University opens its doors for the public to witness and experience various STEM related presentations and exhibits.

These occassions open up a dialogue that many attendees might not otherwise have the opportunity to explore. HESTEC prides itself on providing this unique experience in the lives of not only students but their parents and families as well.

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Educator Day

“Each of the speakers motivated me to do better.�

89

-Educator Day Attendee

%

of the educators surveyed agreed or strongly agreed that the topics discussed at HESTEC enhanced their views about STEM careers.

HESTEC 2014

90% of the educators who responded to the survey reported that they agreed or strongly agreed that they were overall satisfied with the HESTEC Educator Day events.

Student Leadership Day

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“I liked the fact that people are willing to encourage us and give us hope for a better future…”

87% of the students surveyed agreed or strongly agreed that HESTEC helped them identify their future career goals.

-Student Leadership Day Attendee

Approximately

703

Participants

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Latina Day

98% of the students surveyed agreed or strongly agreed that HESTEC is a great opportunity to visit the University.

92 % of the students surveyed agreed or strongly agreed that the individuals who presented at HESTEC inspired them to pursue college studies in the STEM fields.

Approximately

605

Participants

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Robotics Day

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76% of the teachers surveyed agreed or strongly agreed the networking opportunities at HESTEC Robotics Day with colleagues and other professionals enriched their professional skills as educators.

81 % of the teachers surveyed agreed or strongly agreed that attending HESTEC Robotics Day impacted the knowledge they will share with their students in the classroom.

45 % of the students surveyed reported that preparing for HESTEC Robotics Day was the first time they studied robotics.

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E

D

Drawing hundreds of educators, administrators and superintendents to the UTPA campus, Educator Day offers a venue for workshops, and a variety of technical, scientific, research and keynote speakers.

38%

SURVEY PARTICIPANTS:

MALE

FEMALE

62%

Monday, October 6, 2014 Sponsored by Shell

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•75% of the

educators surveyed stated HESTEC was an opportunity to enhance their own technology skills.

“The sessions and speakers were inspiring and helped to reignite the flame I had at the start of the year” -Educator Day Attendee

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Approximately 213 educators attended Educator Day.

91 % of educators surveyed agreed or strongly agreed that attending HESTEC motivated them to encourage their students to pursue degrees in the STEM fields.

Throughout the day, educators attend presentations offered from a list of 10 sessions. They vary from “Eyes on the Solar System” to “Enthuse Your Students About Becoming Future Scientists with Hands-on, Mindson Activities,” educators participated in professional development sessions that took place among the five colleges throughout the University. These sessions helped enhance their perspectives on STEM. Supported by survey responses, 89% of the educators who responded to the survey indicated they “strongly agreed” or “agreed” that the topics discussed enhanced their views about science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) careers. These results reflect professional development for educators in STEM is imperative to their professional growth. Survey data also suggested 89% of those surveyed reported that attending HESTEC impacted the knowledge they will share with their students. This further supports that HESTEC enhances the opportunities for educators to impact the lives of their students.

“[Educator Day] gives me opportunities to expand my knowledge and take it back to the classroom.”

-Educator Day Attendee HESTEC 2014

Educator Day

The UTPA HESTEC ExxonMobil Educator Day 2014 Award was presented to four outstanding teachers who were recognized for their work and dedication to STEM education at their respective schools.

Raquel Alvarado-Rico, Weslaco High School William Crane, La Feria High School Gemma Mora Azuar, PSJA North High School Keith Wrinkle, Port Isabel High School

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ExxonMobil Educator Day 2014 Award

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Congressional Roundtable The ever popular Congressional Roundtable is a vital part of Educator Day. The distinguished dignitaries who participate in the panel are leaders in government, corporate America and education.

The invited speakers included:

RUBÉN HINOJOSA CONGRESSMAN (TX-15)

MARC VEASEY CONGRESSMAN (TX-33)

DR. HAVIDÁN RODRÍGUEZ UTPA PRESIDENT AD INTERIM

RADM RAQUEL BONO U.S. NAVY

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DR. ROOSEVELT Y. JOHNSON NASA

FIDEL A. VARGAS HISPANIC SCHOLARSHIP FUND

JOSE ANTONIO TIJERINO HISPANIC HERITAGE FOUNDATION

ADA CUADRADO SHELL

LAURA GUMP H-E-B

GONZALO SALAZAR LOS FRESNOS CISD HESTEC 2014

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Student Leadership Day During Student Leadership Day, hundreds of high school students are introduced to a wide range of career opportunities in the science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields.

37%

SURVEY PARTICIPANTS:

MALE

FEMALE

63%

Tuesday, October 7, 2014 HESTEC 2014

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93% of the students

surveyed agreed or strongly agreed the individuals who presented at HESTEC inspired them to pursue college studies in the STEM fields.

“What I like most about HESTEC was that we got to interact with experienced engineers.�

-Student Leadership Day Attendee

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HESTEC 2014

of the students surveyed agreed or strongly agreed overall, they were satisfied with HESTEC activities.

Students are selected to attend HESTEC at least once throughout their high school years through a strong partnership with Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) at the Region One Education Service Center. This increases the opportunity for many more students to attend HESTEC over the course of the years.

GEAR UP students attend sessions ranging from “Bringing Out the Leader in You” to “Business STEMS into Great Careers.” As they attend the sessions throughout the campus, the students engage in exciting, hands-on activities and presentations with topics closely related to STEM.

Middle School Challenge Concurrent to the HESTEC core events, the Middle School Challenge takes place. This four half-day long event allows approximately 4,000 middle school students to attend a variety of exhibits, presentations and engaging activities throughout the UTPA campus.

Each day an estimated 1,000 middle school students excitedly explore the campus guided by UTPA student organization members.

“I liked all the diversity here today, liked all the different people who made time to come out and talk to us.”

-Student Leadership Day Attendee HESTEC 2014

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98 %

Approximately 703 high school students attended Student Leadership Day.

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Hundreds of mother/daughter teams from throughout South Texas are brought together to hear the inspiring stories of prominent women succeeding in careers and job tracks once exclusive to men.

242

PARTICIPANTS:

MOMS/ MENTORS

DAUGHTERS/ STUDENTS

363

Wednesday, October 8, 2014 Sponsored by ExxonMobil

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93% of the students

surveyed agreed or strongly agreed they would like to learn more about careers in science, technology, engineering and math.

“I liked listening to the amazing women and how they did not dare give up.�

-Latina Day Attendee

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Approximately 605 Latinas attended Latina Day.

98 % of the students surveyed agreed or strongly agreed overall, they were satisfied with HESTEC activities.

Empowering Latinas is at the core of Latina Day during HESTEC Week. This day is built on harnessing and strengthening the relationship between mothers and daughters to enhance the interest of STEM careers among young Latinas. Fortifying these relationships is important for young girls to succeed and know there is a support system close by.

It is important to note that although Latina Day focuses on encouraging young girls to pursue a postsecondary education and ignite an interest in STEM careers, their mothers were also presented with informational tools– admissions and financial aid advice for their daughters’ college education, and to learn about University services.

These sessions are important since a large number of young Latinas will be the first in their families to attend a university. Parents can be instrumental in the decisions their child will make regarding their educational attainment.

“I liked the speakers who said that just because we are women it does not mean we can’t do what men do.”

HESTEC 2014

-Latina Day Attendee

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Using the Lego Mindstorms EV3, students in grades 6 through 10 designed and built their own robot and devised offensive and defensive programming strategies to beat their opponents in several “Best of 3� matches.

69%

SURVEY PARTICIPANTS:

MALE

FEMALE

31%

Thursday, October 9, 2014

Sponsored by U.S. Army, Time Warner Cable, AEP, General Electric HESTEC 2014

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92% of the

students surveyed reported that overall they were satisfied or very satisfied with HESTEC Robotics Day.

“I learned how to make the robot and how different tactics work effectively.�

-Robotics Day Attendee

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Approximately 300 students and 60 coaches attended Robotics Day.

42% of the students who responded to the survey reported without HESTEC Robotics Day, they probably would not have the opportunity to study robotics.

Robotics Day is an annual robotics competition hosted during HESTEC Week. The day attracts both middle school and high school students.

Students were given a kit to assemble their own robot. Piece by piece, students build up their creations through teamwork, problem-solving and critical thinking. A strong emphasis is placed on teamwork since the competition is among teams. This activity allows students to deepen their interests in STEM technology.

It is through events like Robotics Day that the University continues to revolutionize the way STEM technology and education is presented to students and educators in the Rio Grande Valley.

“Awesome experience for students and teachers!�

-Robotics Day Teacher

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HESTEC 2014

The U.S. Navy returned once again to bring an exciting SeaPerch Competition to the Deep South Texas Region. This competition featured twenty-eight high school teams comprising of five students from tenth to twelfth grade to design and build an underwater robot.

The University of Texas-Pan American in partnership with the U.S. Navy’s Office of Naval Research introduced this program in 2011 with ten teams, and in just four years has grown in popularity to accommodate up to thirty teams.

The SeaPerch Competition kicked off with a Teacher Training which provided teachers the knowledge and preparation to motivate and guide their students to building a successful underwater Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) using the materials and tools provided entirely by the U.S. Navy.

The SeaPerch ROV teaches basic skills in ship and submarine design and encourages students to explore naval architecture, marine and ocean engineering and design skills while being exposed to all the exciting careers that are possible in the U.S. Navy.

Friday, October 10, 2014 Sponsored by U.S. Navy HESTEC 2014

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U.S. Navy SeaPerch Challenge

Laura Marano P. 32

from Disney’s Austin & Ally

Siggno

Community Day SURVEYED PARTICIPANTS:

92 % reported they are more interested in having their children or other family members go to college after attending HESTEC.

94% reported they were satisfied with Community Day events.

79% reported they have a better understanding of STEM after attending HESTEC Community Day.

Saturday, October 11, 2014 HESTEC 2014

Sponsored by H-E-B

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Medical Inflatables Ruben Ramos

Culminating in Community Day, HESTEC 2014 closed its weeklong festivities with a community celebration. From entertainers such as Laura Marano from Disney’s Austin & Ally on the main stage to the stellar performances of Shelly Lares, RubÊn Ramos, and Siggno in the evening, the day consisted of activities for community members of all ages to enjoy.

Throughout the day various exhibits were free and open to the public.

Among them was the Medical Inflatables Exhibit, which was one of the most visited exhibits. Through a partnership with Doctors Hospital at Renaissance (DHR), attendees were able to walk inside large-scale body organs and learn about diseases and risks associated with each. This exhibit also allowed youngsters to explore their interests in STEM with an emphasis in the medical field.

Astronaut Jeanette J. Epps was also in attendance and drew crowds as she shared her personal experiences about being a NASA astronaut. In addition Epps signed autographs and took photos with the public.

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UTPA Student Organizations In order to bring such a large program to hundreds of attendees, it is important to have the assistance of UTPA student organizations, who step up to this challenge every year.

Throughout HESTEC 2014, 12 student organizations assisted the Department of Community Engagement as “Special Staff” with various tasks, from escorting groups of students from presentation to presentation to helping translate for non-English speaking mothers during Latina Day. Approximately 400 students helped with the overall production of HESTEC in different capacities, making them a key component for the successful implementation and delivery of the program.

On Community Day, student organizations participated by hosting booths, where they offered a variety of foods and activities for the community to enjoy. Approximately 79 student organizations took part in HESTEC Community Day, one of the largest fundraising opportunities for student organizations throughout the year.

Funds raised by assisting as “Special Staff” and hosting a booth during Community Day are used by student organizations for different purposes, including covering fees and travel expenses for state and national conferences, conducting service projects and charity donations that go back to the local community, and other operational functions for the respective student organizations.

Approximately

79

student organizations participated in HESTEC.

Approximately

400

students were involved with the overall production of HESTEC.

“I like that the (UTPA) students talked to us about what they do here and inspired us with their stories.”

HESTEC 2014

-Latina Day Attendee

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HESTEC 2014

For this report, only aggregate data related to program evaluation is discussed.

UTPA is highly committed to continue its pursuit of a longitudinal study which began last year, 2013. The study intends to follow a selected group of students who will continue to attend HESTEC each year over a five-year period until 2017.

Through this longitudinal study, the University hopes to support and conduct STEM education research and evaluation by documenting the impact of HESTEC for the coming years. Researchers are interested in documenting the impact of HESTEC on the students’ perceptions of STEM and STEM-related careers.

Publications and scholarly papers are forthcoming, as the HESTEC research team represents various colleges and disciplines.

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Instrumentation

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HESTEC is designed to kick-start engaging conversations with students and professionals about STEM and STEM careers.

Events like HESTEC encourage educational dialogues between the community members and members of the university. It is important to maintain this bridge of knowledge between the university and general public to ensure the development and success of these individuals will continue revolutionizing the Rio Grande Valley.

Thousands of students, parents, teachers, and families are all a part of this success. By engaging in sessions and participating in hands-on activities, HESTEC makes a difference; and although minorities continue to be underrepresented in STEM courses of study and related careers, it is with great pride that UTPA stands firm in its contribution and commitment to underrepresented minority students by exposing them to the vast opportunities that lie in STEM careers.

However, as HESTEC 2014 comes to a close under the direction of The University of Texas-Pan American, it is bittersweet. As we embark on a new undertaking, the charge of creating a new University is exciting. We welcome the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV), as the opportunities it will present before us will be limitless.

Conclusion HESTEC 2014

Martin Baylor He is the Vice President for Business Affairs at The University of Texas-Pan American and currently oversees the entire Division of Business Affairs. Baylor has been at UTPA for four years and is a strong advocate for building strong partnerships with the public and private sectors. He holds a M.B.A. from Baylor University-Dallas and a bachelor’s degree from Illinois State University.

Jessica Salinas As the Executive Director for External Relations at The University of Texas-Pan American, Salinas currently oversees community and economic development programs. Salinas holds a master’s degree in Business Administration and has more than eight years of small business and economic development experience, and five years of community development experience with special emphasis on community engagement efforts, all under the scope of UTPA. She also has more than 20 years of military service in the U.S. Navy.

Acknowledgments HESTEC 2014

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Congressman Rubén Hinojosa (TX-15) As a longtime businessman and native of the Rio Grande Valley, Hinojosa is the U.S. Representative from Texas’ 15th District. He serves on two House Committees: the Committee on Education and the Workforce and the Committee on Financial Services, and has distinguished himself as an advocate for education and other social programs, economic development and infrastructure projects. Hinojosa is one of the founding partners of the HESTEC program and has been instrumental in the overall success of HESTEC for the past 13 years.

Educational Partner

Diamond Sponsors

Silver Sponsors

Bronze Sponsors

Bronc Sponsors

Gold Sponsors