HESTEC Impact Report 2012

2012

Impact Report

4 Executive Summary 6 Educator Day 16 Student Leadership Day 23 Latina Day 33 Robotics Day 42 Career Expo 45 Middle School Challenge 46 Community Day 52 Conclusion 53 Acknowledgements 55 About the Authors

HESTEC 2012 “The success of the United States in the 21st century—its wealth and welfare—will depend on the ideas and skills of its population. These have always been the Nation’s most important assets. As the world becomes increasingly technological, the value of these national assets will be determined in no small measure by the effectiveness of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education in the United States. STEM education will determine whether the United States will remain a leader among nations and whether we will be able to solve immense challenges in such areas as energy, health, environmental protection, and national security.”

-The President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology Executive Report, September 2010 Retrieved from: http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/microsites/ostp/pcast-stem-ed-final.pdf

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Executive Summary The University of Texas-Pan American (UTPA) is a Hispanic Serving Institution located in Edinburg, Texas. This geographic region of south Texas is one of the fastest growing areas of the nation known as the Rio Grande Valley. Currently, there are more than 19,000 students enrolled at UTPA. It offers 56 bachelor’s degrees, 53 master’s degrees, three doctoral, and two cooperative doctoral programs within seven colleges.

The Hispanic Engineering, Science and Technology (HESTEC) Program is a leadership initiative of The University of Texas-Pan American and Congressman Rubén Hinojosa (TX-15). Through valued commitment and support from those entities and various proud sponsors, HESTEC was created 11 years ago, and it continues to flourish. The purpose of HESTEC is two-fold: to increase awareness of the engineering, science, technology and math fields among students, parents, educators and community members, and to increase the participation rates of Hispanics in these fields by boosting high school graduation rates and postsecondary education. Students, parents, educators, school administrators and community leaders and members participated in the week-long event which promotes awareness of STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) fields and access to postsecondary education by presenting a series of guest speakers, presentations, workshops and interactive activities in which all can engage.

Each day of the week is dedicated to a particular target audience.

On Educator Day, teachers and administrators listen to a roundtable discussion lead by CEOs, CFOs, local and state government officials, local

education agency officials, such as

superintendents, and other leaders in STEM professions to discuss relevant issues related to STEM fields and how education can impact and change those issues.

During Student Leadership Day, middle school students have opportunities to hear from and meet professional leaders in STEM fields, such as leading scientists and world-renowned physicists. Students attend break-out sessions and learn about STEM fields and how they can make a difference.

Latina Day proves to be a popular event with pairs of moms and daughters attending to hear from predominantly Hispanic professional women in the STEM fields. Dialogue between moms and daughters about women breaking cultural and gender barriers in such fields transcend powerful messages that impact the participants.

Activities for students focus on engaging them in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through providing opportunities they may not otherwise have. For example, Robotics Day allows middle school students hands-on opportunities with tangible robots. Teams of students are provided a robotics kit and are challenged to build and program their robots. Later, they compete with other

teams in creating the most effective robot for the Robotics Day obstacle course challenge.

Community Day closes the weeklong activities by bringing in members of the community to experience first-hand the exhibits and unite those who may have never been on campus and exposed to a collegiate environment. Attractions such as the U.S. Navy’s high-tech simulator were instrumental in engaging people of all ages to participate in the full HESTEC experience.

The Middle School Challenge brought approximately 4,000 students on campus to participate in STEM-related activities. The SeaPerch Competition, hosted by the U.S. Navy, engaged high school students and coaches from across the region to compete in an underwater robot tournament.

Students designed and created robots to be submerged in a swimming pool and navigate through an obstacle course. As judges from the U.S. Navy waded in the pool and carefully looked on at the robots from beneath the water’s surface, the crowds of students cheered for their submerged watercrafts. Lastly, College Symposiums actively engaged UTPA students in exploring STEM fields and careers.

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Introduction This report is a compilation of the detailed accounts of the daily events at HESTEC and the feedback received from HESTEC participants as they experienced the events and activities. In collecting this information, UTPA seeks to identify its strengths and areas needing improvement to enhance the quality of the HESTEC program and determine its impact on participant perceptions about science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). This report is also the driving force behind both formative and summative decisions made by HESTEC organizers to understand the factors that influence HESTEC participants and to help make informed decisions throughout both the planning and implementation process of the HESTEC program. To that end, participants were asked to volunteer to complete a survey created to evaluate the overall general experience at HESTEC. The survey was anonymous and voluntary. These surveys consisted of questions regarding participant perceptions about science, technology, engineering and math.

Instrumentation There were eight different surveys designed to gather data from the participants throughout HESTEC week, and each were specific to their respective day and audience. Those surveys created were: Educator Day Survey Student Leadership Day Survey Latina Day Survey (Student) Latina Day Survey (Adult) Latina Day Survey (Adult Spanish) Robotics Day Survey (Student) Robotics Day Survey (Coach) Community Day Survey The surveys were composed of three sections. The first section of the surveys consisted of questions regarding demographics. The responses were multiple-choice where the participant could select from a menu of options. The next section was a set of questions specific to the events of the day. This section also incorporated multiple-choice responses where the participant could select from a menu of options from a Likert Scale, ranging from “Strongly Agree” to “Strongly Disagree,” or in the case of the students’ surveys ranging from “Yes” to “No” to “I’m Not Sure.” The final section included open-ended questions where the participants had the option to fill in a text box with unlimited characters to submit additional comments or feedback. The approximate average number of inquiries on the surveys was 15, and the approximate average time to complete it was two minutes. The survey was anonymous as no personal identifiers were collected in this data set.

The survey data was collected through the use of iPads. Student assistants were trained to circulate the room in a pre-determined fashion to make the iPads available for participants to answer the questions on the survey in a timely manner. Students were also trained to assist with any questions that participants had regarding the survey or any technical issues with the iPad or its internet access. The data was collected through software produced specifically for survey use. Results of the data collected will be shared, in part, in the narrative that follows and is provided on the respective day for which it was collected.

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Description of Events

The Hispanic Engineering, Science and Technology (HESTEC) Week was held Sept. 23-29, 2012 at The University of Texas-Pan American campus. With the theme “Ignite the Possibilities,” HESTEC 2012 sought to further create an awareness of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education in the Rio Grande Valley.

Educator Day Educator Day, sponsored by Marathon Oil, took place on Monday, Sept. 24, 2012 at The University of Texas-Pan American Fieldhouse. The purpose of this day was to provide professional development to teachers in the areas of STEM in an effort to empower them with resources and tools to further prepare their students to enter the workforce.

Approximately 300 teachers, educators, administrators (principals and superintendents), counselors, and corporate partners (presenters) were welcomed by Dr. Salvador Hector Ochoa, dean for the College of Education, and UTPA partner, Jack Damron, executive director for the Region One Education Service Center. Educators from the GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) Program also attended. GEAR UP is a federally funded program which promotes early access to college programs to underrepresented high school students across the United States. GEAR UP coordinators and educators work directly with students at their respective schools to promote GEAR UP awareness and college readiness.

A Congressional Roundtable discussion occurred during the morning of Educator Day. Geared to have significant dialogue on efforts to support and strengthen STEM education in the K-16 arena, the theme of the HESTEC 2012 Congressional Roundtable on Science Literacy in the Hispanic Community was “STEM Careers and the Future of the Hispanic Community.” Panelists were encouraged to share information regarding the kinds of careers available at their organizations; the types of skills needed for students to enter these fields; the importance of “I often say education is the educators preparing their students to enter the STEM workforce; their organizations’ educational programs or resources for teachers and gateway to the American students; and success stories of UTPA alumni at their organizations.

In addition, educators attended two breakout sessions during Educator Day. Presenters were encouraged to show attendees the different applications of STEM and how educators can help students make the connection between their middle school courses and long-term careers in STEM. Presenters were asked to provide teachers with information on different professions that they could take back to their classroom to help their students “see the possibilities” available, develop their full potential and become well-rounded individuals. See Table 1 for complete listing of the sessions.

Attendees also had the opportunity to listen to Dr. Michio Kaku, theoretical physicist, author, and popularizer of science. Kaku discussed the advancements in technology that will change life as it is known in the coming years, specifically in the areas of medicine, computers, quantum physics, and space travel. To close Educator Day, the educators heard remarks from Dr. Starnes E. Walker, chief technology officer and technical director for the U.S. Fleet Cyber Command/U.S. Fleet, U.S. Navy.

dream. A good education turns dreams into reality, changes lives and moves individuals, families and the nation forward.”

Keynote Speaker, Thom K. Sneed, Vice President and Chief Information Officer for Marathon Oil

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Educator Day 2012 - Congressional Roundtable Congressman Rubén Hinojosa U.S. Congressman (TX-15)

Congressman Rubén Hinojosa, a longtime businessman and native of the Rio Grande Valley/South Texas, was elected to represent Texas’ 15th Congressional District in November 1996. Hinojosa serves on two House Committees: Education and the Workforce; and the Committee on Financial Services. He was elected by acclamation in November 2012 as the chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus for the 113th Congress.

Dr. Robert Nelsen

President, The University of Texas - Pan American Nelsen became the eighth president of The University of Texas-Pan American on Jan. 1, 2010. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in political science from Brigham Young University and his Ph.D. from the Committee on Social Thought at The University of Chicago. His Ph.D. fields of specialization were modern literature, modern philosophy and modern political theory.

Admiral Mark Ferguson

Vice Chief of Naval Operations, Navy Following graduation from the U.S. Naval Academy in the Class of 1978, Ferguson completed nuclear power training prior to entering the fleet as a surface warfare officer. His afloat assignments include service on board USS South Carolina (CGN 37), USS Fife (DD 991) and USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). He commanded the USS Benfold (DDG 65) and Destroyer Squadron 18.

Dr. Subra Suresh

Director, National Science Foundation Suresh, a distinguished engineer and professor, was nominated by President Barack Obama and unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate as the director of the National Science Foundation in September 2010. As director of this $7 billion independent federal agency, he leads the only government science agency charged with advancing all fields of fundamental science and engineering research and related education.

Janet Clark

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Marathon Oil Company Clark serves as a member of Marathon’s Executive Committee. She joined Marathon in January 2004. She previously served as senior vice president and chief financial officer for Nuevo Energy from 2001 through 2003. Before joining Nuevo, Clark worked at Santa Fe Snyder where she served as executive vice president of Corporate Development and Administration in 1999.

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Educator Day 2012 - Congressional Roundtable Hector Pineda

Associate General Counsel, Shell Oil Company Pineda is a member of Shell Oil Company’s legal department. As associate general counsel for Onshore, Pineda has supervisory responsibility for the attorneys and support staff who provide legal services to Shell’s onshore oil and gas business in the Western Hemisphere (primarily in the United States and Canada).

Natalie Saiz

Director of Human Resources Office, Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, NASA In 2004, Saiz was named Director of the Human Resources Office at Johnson Space Center, and was responsible for leading a team of more than 50 civil servants and a budget of more than $28 Million to support the Center’s 3,300 civil service employees. Saiz is still serving as Director of the Office of Human Resources at the Johnson Space Center.

Armando Garza

Plant Manager of McAllen Facility, Coca Cola Refreshments Garza is the Plant Manager of McAllen Facility for the Coca Cola Company. He began his career as an Associate Engineering in Johnson Controls Inc. in their Reynosa operations in January 1998 and took on various expanding roles within Engineering and Manufacturing. Garza joined Coca Cola on April 2010 after previously serving various roles with Johnson Controls Inc. from 1998 through 2010.

Rafaela Schwan

Director of Development, Central Region, Hispanic Scholarship Fund As Director of Development, Central Region for The Hispanic Scholarship Fund, Schwan is directly responsible for clearly articulating cadence and processes to secure sponsors, grants, contracts and philanthropic donations in pursuit of supporting student education and leadership programs. The Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF) is a non-profit organization.

Dr. René Gutiérrez

Superintendent, Edinburg Consolidated School District Gutiérrez has served as Superintendent of Schools for the Edinburg Consolidated Independent School District since June 2009. Gutiérrez was named the South Texas Region One Superintendent of the Year for 2012 and was recognized as one of the top five superintendents in Texas for 2012. He is a recipient of the Educational Leadership Award from the University Council for Educational Administration and is a member of the Executive Committee of the Equity Center of Texas.

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table 1:

Educator Day Sessions

Titles of Presentations Science Circus The Challeng es of Getting To Mars Launch, Entry, Descent, Landing “Build Me a Mountain

Presenter(s) UTPA Student Organizations Angelo Casaburri, Aerospace Education Specialist , Aerospace Education Services Project, NASA Johnson Space Cente r Hilda Borrego, Teacher, McAllen ISD

Organization(s) UTPA College of Science and Mathematics NASA Fossum Middle School on behalf

Ten Things Everyone Should Know About the Atmosphere

Sheila Ferguson, Teacher in Residence, Little Shop of Physics, Colorado State University Brian Jones, Physics Department, Colorado State University Heather Michalak , Little Shop of Physics, Colorado State University

Little Shop of Physics, made possible by the National Science Foundation

Careers in Engineering

Sara Flusche, Texas Regional Collaboratives, The University of Texas at Austin Marsha Willis, Professional Development Coordinator, Texas Regional Collaboratives, The University of Texas at Austin

Texas Regional Collaboratives, made possible by Shell

3-2-1, We have Ignition to Study Physical Science and More !

Dr. Craig Wilson, Director USDA/HSINP Future Scientists Program & Senior Research Associate Center for Mathematics and Science Education (CMSE), College of Science, Texas A&M University

USDA/Hispanic Serving Institutions National Program (HSINP )

Engineering Wonderland Nspired STEM Educational Oppor tunities with the Navy

UTPA Student Organizations Xavier Gonzales, Educational Technology Consultant/Territory Field Marketing Manager J.P. Rodriguez, CIV NRD San Antonio Lieutenant Rene Ybarra, Deputy Chief of

Career Opportunities

UTPA College of Engineering and Computer Science, made possible by Marathon Oil Texas Instrument s U.S. Navy U.S. Army

Captain Eva Bratschi

Growing Population, Scarce Food, & Finding Solutions

Ernest Herrera, USDA Cotton Research Lab, New Mexico Tye Lightfoot, Mechanical Engineer , USDA Cotton Research Lab New Me xico

U.S. Department of Agriculture

You are lying to your students

Sam Cavazos, Student, College of Science and Mathematics, UTPA

UTPA College of Science and Mathematics Experimental Alg ebra & Geometr y

STEM Careers – Wha t’s it Worth?

Captain Cynthia Macri, Gynecologic Oncologist, Special Assistant f or Diversity to the Chief of Naval Operations

U.S. Navy

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STEM Center Ribbon Cutting Ceremony The UTPA STEM Center was officially opened and recognized by UTPA President Robert Nelsen, Congressman Rubén Hinojosa, Admiral Mark Ferguson, vice chief of Naval Operations, U.S. Navy, and UTPA Associate Professor Dr. Cristina Villalobos, College of Science and Mathematics.

On Sept. 24, 2012, UTPA celebrated the opening of a new center focused on strengthening the academic programs in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and increasing the number of STEM graduates.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by Admiral Mark Ferguson, vice chief of Naval Operations in the U.S. Navy, Congressman Rubén Hinojosa, and a large crowd of supporters. UTPA was one of only three institutions to receive a grant by the U.S. Department of Defense to fund the center.

The center will help develop a community of faculty who can become leaders in Challenge-Based Instruction.

The center will also focus on creating STEM activities and programs for underrepresented groups. By training and promoting inductive and innovative teaching methodologies, the new STEM center aims at sparking a STEM interest in students.

“It is a strategic imperative for us as a nation for our national defense and our future prosperity that we encourage young people to enter the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The world is increasingly competitive and the challenges increasingly complex. Students from South Texas who will enter this center and work in these fields represent our future prosperity, our future security and our future as a global power in the years to come.”

- Admiral Mark Ferguson

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College Symposiums Each one of the colleges at UTPA held a symposium and/or events throughout HESTEC Week as well, to correspond to the theme of the day.

The College of Education Symposium, held on Sept. 25, provided students from UTPA with valuable information and wisdom from some of the region’s top educators. The panelists urged students to be open to the idea of learning from their surrounding peers and colleagues; emphasized the importance of gaining as much experience as possible before joining the field; and, most importantly, to love every moment spent in the classroom. The symposium was a great way for our future teachers to gain knowledge from those who excel in the field of teaching. The panel discussion held during the event featured the Region One Education Service Center’s Teachers of the Year for elementary education, Iliana Hinojosa, and secondary education, Yvette Nevarez, as well as the McAllen Independent School District’s Assistant Superintendent for Instructional Services Rachel Arcaute and UTPA College of Education Associate Dean for Graduate Studies Janine Schall. Guest panelists discussed the topic “What Makes a Good Educator?” and participated in a Q&A session. Guest panelists shared with attendees the impact of teaching as a profession, why they decided to pursue a career in education and other advice to future educators looking to make their contribution. Guest speakers included: Iliana Hinojosa

Pre-Kindergarten Teacher at Dr. William Long Elementary PSJA ISD Elementary Teacher of the Year

Yvette Nevarez

English as a Second Language (ESL) Teacher at Alton Memorial Jr. High Mission CISD Secondary Teacher of the Year

Rachel Arcaute

Assistant Superintendent Instructional Services McAllen ISD

The College of Science and Mathematics Symposium took place from Sept. 24-27. The COSM Symposium featured a guest speaker and a student poster competition in the areas of physics and geology (Monday, Sept. 24), chemistry (Tuesday, Sept. 25), biology (Wednesday, Sept. 26), and mathematics (Thursday, Sept. 27). Guest speakers included: “Probing Mild-Ocean Ridge Processes through Deep Crustal Drilling”

“Casting a Broad Net in Organic Synthesis: From Palladium-Catalysis to Stem Differentiation”

“The Evolution of Papaya Sex Chromosomes”

“Nonlinear dynamics and climate modeling”

Doug Wilson, Ph.D., Associate Research Geophysicists: Marine Science Institute, University of California at Santa Barbara, Calif.

Doug Frantz, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry, UTSA

Qingyi Yu, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Texas A&M University, Agrilife Research Center at Weslaco, Texas.

Alejandro Aceves, Ph.D., Professor, Department of Mathematics and Statistics and Program in Optical Sciences and Engineering for Southern Methodist University.

The College of Engineering and Computer Science hosted the Engineering Wonderland, throughout HESTEC week.

Student organizations were invited to showcase their engineering projects for the K12 and community visitors.

Highlighting the best of UTPA’s student talent, these exciting, visual projects included “Roller Coaster,” “Hydraulic Arms,” “Renewable Energy,” “6 in 1 Solar Kits,” “Lunabot,” among many others.

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Evaluation Highlights The following section of this report illustrates the general responses to the questions asked of the participants during HESTEC Educator Day. One hundred sixty-five educators from participating school districts and local education agencies responded to the HESTEC Educator Day Survey while attending HESTEC Educator Day at The University of Texas-Pan American on Sept. 24, 2012. Participants volunteering for the survey had the option to use an iPad provided by the university’s Department of Community Engagement, which was the hosting department, or respond using their own personal mobile device. The survey had a total of 21 inquiries. The response rate time was approximately two minutes per participant. This survey was optional and participants remained anonymous, as no personal identifiers were collected in the data set. The primary purpose of this survey was to assess the implementation and possible impact of the HESTEC program.

Responses Below are some of the responses from the 165 educators who participated in the HESTEC Educator Day Survey. Also provided is a random sample of selected narrative responses of the comments or feedback that participants provided in a text box where they had the option to respond. Due to rounding, percentages may not always add to 100%.

What is your gender?

What is your highest level of education?

1%

30%

37%

70% Female Male

What is your race/ethnicity?

Bachelor’s Master’s Doctoral

What is your currect job title?

72% of the participants responded “Teacher.”

8% of the participants responded “Administrator.”

5% of the participants responded “Counselor.”

8% of the participants responded “Facilitator.”

7% of the participants responded “Other.”

1% 12% 2% 1% 84%

55%

How long have you been in the education field?

White/Non-Hispanic Black/Non-Hispanic Hispanic/Latino Asian Other

6% of the participants responded “Less than one year.”

28% of the participants responded “1-5 years.”

27% of the participants responded “6-10 years.”

39% of the participants responded “more than 10 years.”

What content area do you primarily teach or work?

34% of the participants responded “Mathematics.”

36% of the participants responded “Science.”

9% of the participants responded “Technology.”

21% of the participants responded “Other.”

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What grade do you primarily teach or work with?

16% of the participants responded “High school.”

76% of the participants responded “Middle school.”

2% of the participants responded “Elementary school.”

6% of the participants responded “All of the above.”

Were the breakout sessions helpful for a career development?

6%

How many times have you attended HESTEC?

11% 32%

34%

57%

Strongly Agree Agree Not Sure

32% None 1 time 2-3 times 4 or more times

25%

Were the breakout sessions relevant to STEM content?

5%

What impacted you most today?

22%

20%

73%

7%

50% 23%

A session Variety of sessions Keynote Roundtable

Attending HESTEC was an opportunity to enhance my own technology skills.

8%

Did the topics discussed broaden your view about STEM careers?

33%

38%

2% 65%

Strongly Agree Agree Not Sure

Strongly Agree Agree Not Sure

57% Strongly Agree Agree Not Sure

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Attending HESTEC impacted the knowledge that I will share with my students.

Attending HESTEC motivated me to encourage my students to pursue degrees in the STEM fields.

2%

1%

29%

27% 68%

72%

Strongly Agree Agree Not Sure

To the statement: The networking opportunities at HESTEC with colleagues, business representatives, government entities, and other career professionals enriched my repertoire as an educator.

I would like to continue attending HESTEC in years to come.

2%

60% of the participants responded “Strongly Agree.”

33% of the participants responded “Agree.”

7% of the participants responded “Not Sure or Neutral.”

0% of the participants responded “Disagree.”

0% of the participants responded “Strongly Disagree.”

15%

83% Overall, I am satisfied with HESTEC Educator Day events.

1%

Strongly Agree Agree Not Sure

4%

19% 76%

Strongly Agree Agree Not Sure Disagree

Strongly Agree Agree Not Sure

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The following is a random sample of selected unedited narrative responses of the comments or feedback that participants provided in blank text boxes where they had the option to respond.

What did you like most about today?

• The keynote speaker made STEM relevant and gave me a way to bring it to my students.

• Dr. Michio Kaku • Little shop of physics • Speaker, Breakout sessions • The Mars landing • Keynote speaker • Roundtable panel • The sessions • The ability to network with other educators and share important ideas to use with students • The keynote speaker and the information he provided us with.

• NASA • Everything • They physicist keynoter • The Marathon Oil speaker • Navy’s involvement

What sessions would you like to see available at HESTEC in the future?

• • • • • • • • • • •

More technology implementation More technology sessions More math Technology integration College and career readiness More hands on breakout sessions Summer opportunities for teachers More sessions that apply directly to math teachers Technology applications More sessions that are technology oriented Student experiments

• • • • • • • • • • •

Space More hands on science lab sessions TI More diverse science fields All great…more math Newest technology Nspire calculator training not just talk on how valuable they are and what an advantage it is to have one NASA display Navy/STEM presentations Science circus Little shop of physics

Comments or Additional feedback: • • • • • • • • • • • •

Thank you!

I really enjoyed the experience The sessions were amazing Great sessions Great day It was awesome Awesome day-lots of info to take back to my campus Great job by UT Pan Am Water bottles later in the day Great Sessions need to be more engaging Did not like math breakout sessions. Felt I could have got more feedback on information.

• Really enjoyed the sessions

Findings Many of the responses regarding recommendations for future sessions hosted at HESTEC wanted organizations to offer more sessions that are technology oriented. Participants requested technology integration sessions where hands-on activities are prevalent and conducive to engaging experiences that will enhance classroom pedagogy and practice.

Educator participants reported they believed that the networking opportunities afforded them while at HESTEC were positive in nature and that the knowledge gained while participating in HESTEC will impact their students. Responses also suggest that educators who attended HESTEC are now motivated to encourage their students to pursue career opportunities in the STEM fields. The responses strongly suggest participants were overall generally satisfied with the event and would most likely attend again in the future, given the opportunity.

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Student Leadership Day Approximately 800 eighth grade students attended the UTPA campus on Tuesday, Sept.

25, 2012 for a fun-filled, educational event called Student Leadership Day. The objective for Student Leadership Day was to increase awareness of the science, technology, engineering, and math fields among students.

“Today could be the first day you start preparing for tomorrow.”

- Chuck Villarreal, director of Production Operations for Lockheed Martin Moderated by ABC affiliate Channel 5 News anchor, and GEAR UP spokesperson Letty Garza, this event began with remarks from Region One GEAR UP Director Tina Atkins, followed by a riveting address

by Dr. Michio Kaku, who captivated the attention of the students for nearly an hour by discussing the technologies of tomorrow and inventions that are currently being developed to help improve the lives of humans.

Students were then able to attend two breakout sessions designed to spike their interest in STEM and motivate them to reach for their dreams. See Table 2 for a listing of these sessions. During their lunch time, attendees heard from Chuck Villarreal, director of Mechanical Engineering at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, Dallas, Texas, the sponsor for the day. Students heard from UTPA President Dr. Robert S. Nelsen as well.

To culminate a great day of excitement, Steve Wolf, stunts effects coordinator of Science in the Movies, impressed the students by demonstrating how simple science is behind the stunts effects in movies through visual chemistry reactions. A highlight of Wolf’s presentation was for student participants to lift President Nelsen using safety gear and pulleys, as Wolf explained to the audience the physics involved. The crowd cheered as the students lifted President Nelsen into the air.

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table 2:

Student Leadership Day Sessions

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College Symposiums Following the theme “Applied Social Sciences Solving Today’s Problems,” on Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2012, the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences featured its faculty and students in panels and a poster competition. Participants heard from Lieutenant Colonel Alfred Silva of the UTPA ROTC program. In addition, two UTPA Army ROTC students, Cadet Mayela Rodriguez and Cadet Enrique Muñoz, participated on the student panel.

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Evaluation Highlights The following section of this report illustrates the general responses to some of the questions asked of the participants during HESTEC Student Leadership Day. Three hundred fifty-one students from participating school districts and local education agencies responded to the HESTEC Student Leadership Day Survey while attending HESTEC Student Leadership Day at The University of TexasPan American on Sept. 25, 2012. Participants volunteering for the survey used an iPad provided by The Department of Community Engagement, which was the hosting organization. The survey had a total of 23 inquiries. The response rate time was approximately three minutes per participant. This survey was optional and student participants remained anonymous, as no personal identifiers were collected in the data set. The primary purpose of this survey is to assess the implementation and possible impact of the HESTEC program.

Responses Below are the responses from the 351 student participants in the HESTEC Student Leadership Day Survey. Also provided, at the end of this report, is a random sample of selected narrative responses of the comments or feedback that participants provided in a text box where they had the option to respond. Due to rounding, percentages may not always add to 100%.

What is your gender?

What grade are you in?

100% of the participants responded “8th grade.”

0% of the participants responded “7th grade.”

0% of the participants responded “6th grade.”

How many times have you attended HESTEC in the past?

42%

44% of the participants responded “None.”

32% of the participants responded “1 time.”

21% of the participants responded “2-3 times.”

3% of the participants responded “4 or more times.”

58% Female Male

5%

What is your race/ethnicity?

3% 1% 1% 7%

87%

To the best of your knowledge, what is the highest level of education of your mother?

15% 11% 16% 14%

White/Non-Hispanic Black/Non-Hispanic Hispanic/Latino Asian Other

20% 21%

Less than HS High School Some College Bachelor’s Degree Master’s Degree Doctoral Degree I’m Not Sure

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To the best of your knowledge, what is the highest level of education of your father?

9% 4%

23% 7% 13%

22% 21%

Less than HS High School Some College Bachelor’s Degree Master’s Degree Doctoral Degree I’m Not Sure

HESTEC Student Leadership Day helped me learn more about careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM).

1%

I would like to do science experiments at home.

65% of the participants responded “Yes.” 16% of the participants responded “No.” 19% of the participants responded “I’m Not Sure.”

HESTEC Student Leadership Day has inspired me to focus on my school work and graduate from high school.

2%

98% Yes I’m Not Sure

3%

HESTEC Student Leadership Day has inspired me to go to college.

1% 1%

96% Yes No I’m Not Sure

Perceptions: HESTEC Student Leadership Day helped me identify my future career goals.

81% of the participants responded “Yes.” 5% of the participants responded “No.” 14% of the participants responded “I’m Not Sure.”

HESTEC Student Leadership Day has motivated me to pursue my career goals.

93% of the participants responded “Yes.” 2% of the participants responded “No.” 5% of the participants responded “I’m Not Sure.”

HESTEC Student Leadership Day has inspired me to pursue college studies in STEM careers.

83% of the participants responded “Yes.” 7% of the participants responded “No.” 10% of the participants responded “I’m Not Sure.”

98% Yes No I’m Not Sure

When I graduate from college, I would like to work with people who make discoveries in the STEM careers.

65% of the participants responded “Yes.” 10% of the participants responded “No.” 25% of the participants responded “I’m Not Sure.”

Working in a STEM career would be an interesting way to earn a living.

82% of the participants responded “Yes.” 4% of the participants responded “No.” 14% of the participants responded “I’m Not Sure.”

H E S T E C 2 0 1 2 S T U D E N T L E A D E R S H I P D AY | 2 1

STEM careers are jobs that are respected by other If I did not come to HESTEC, I may not have had a people. chance to visit a university.

86% of the participants responded “Yes.” 0% of the participants responded “No.” 14% of the participants responded “I’m Not Sure.”

41% of the participants responded “Yes.” 41% of the participants responded “No.” 18% of the participants responded “I’m Not Sure.”

I think a career in the STEM field would be fun and I would like to attend HESTEC again in the future to exciting. learn more about careers in the STEM fields.

86% of the participants responded “Yes.” 3% of the participants responded “No.” 11% of the participants responded “I’m Not Sure.”

1%

4%

People who work in STEM careers such as engineers have contributed greatly to fixing problems in the world.

1% 10%

95% 89%

Yes No I’m Not Sure

Yes No I’m Not Sure

“If you want to partake of

Overall, I am satisfied with HESTEC Student Leadership Day activities.

1%

this future, you have to get educated. Don’t wind up in a

2%

dead-end job; graduate into the future. The future belongs to the educated.”

- Dr. Michio Kaku, Theoretical Physicist

97%

Yes No I’m Not Sure

H E S T E C 2 0 1 2 S T U D E N T L E A D E R S H I P D AY | 2 2

The following is a random sample of selected unedited narrative responses of the comments or feedback that participants provided in blank text boxes where they had the option to respond.

Please tell us what you liked most about today.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

That I learned things today that I might of not been able to learn.

The science with solar energy!

It’s exciting and fun and I just want to learn more That the future is less than 20 years away I thought that it was epic, really no other words to describe. A life changing experience.

The very smart physicist The speeches I like that there are so many great engineering jobs that I can graduate to do in the future.

The future video Science behind all energy I learned how college is very important in our life’s!

The Navy Simulator was the best part about today!

I liked that several people come to talk to us and it helped me determine my carier.

The knowledge of STEM careers I learned about science that will help me in being a doctor.

It was fun and I learned a lot more than any other day Learning about what the future of technology holds I learned about what STEM means How the helped me to build confidence in pursuing my education and goals They taught me a lot about college The science lesion a teacher told us about

Comments or Additional feedback: • • • • • •

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

I would love to come here. Really, it would be a great opportunity.

This program is very fun!

I had a great time.

I LOVED IT Hi people, you guys are awesome :D It was a good experience

• •

More hands on activities I love technology I like utpa school It was a good day This is the best collage ever go bronces Awesome Very good job.

Had a fun time I like this college I love utpa,!!!

I hope more kids can join HESTEC in the future.

Awesome now I want to be a doctor I liked everything.

Something more to drink I was really thirsty.

Great teachers and great university Make activities more interesting and hands on and fun…Just saying.

I wanted to fall asleep more than a few times today.

I am really happy to be here and I am felling so happy that I am here today so I thank you for letting me come today.

I’m going to college yeah!!!!

I would like to come back to HESTEC More activities. More celebrities.

Great job Doing a great job, keep it up The classes were somewhat boring, wish they would’ve been more fun an a tad more interesting.

That the program is awesome it should not change it is amazing to be here.

This was an enjoyable experience that should be introduced to many people Umm I hope you do this next year so I can return and enjoy it again and thank you for letting us come to hestec!!!!!

Findings An overwhelming number of students reported HESTEC Student Leadership Day inspired them to focus on high school graduation and go to college. They believe the activities afforded them while at HESTEC were positive in nature and that the knowledge gained while participating in HESTEC will impact their future career goals. Responses also suggest that students who attended HESTEC learned more about careers in science, technology, engineering, and math.

Furthermore, students reported aspirations and positive perceptions of STEM careers as is evidenced by a significant number of students reporting that a STEM career “would be an interesting way to earn a living” and that STEM careers are “jobs that are respected by other people.” Also supporting a positive perception of STEM careers, students reported that a career in the STEM field would be “fun and exciting” and that “People who work in STEM careers such as engineers have contributed greatly to fixing problems in the world.” The survey data suggests students were engaged and enjoyed the day’s events. Students reported enjoying listening to a world renowned physicist and other experts in STEM professions. They also enjoyed attending sessions and engaging in hands-on activities provided. Overall, students were satisfied with HESTEC Student Leadership Day.

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Latina Day Sponsored by ExxonMobil and Northrop Grumman, Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2012, was Latina Day. Approximately 400 female eighth grade students and their mothers were a part of Latina Day, whose mission it was to motivate, inform, promote and encourage non-traditional careers in the Hispanic community.

HESTEC Latina Day also addressed the underrepresentation of females in predominantly male careers, by having successful Latinas in STEM fields talk to the teens and their mothers.

Carmela A. Gale, program manager at Northrop Grumman, and Samantha Silvas, team lead, License Management US for ExxonMobil Information and Technology, shared their backgrounds with the students and their mothers. “The reason I left home was because ExxonMobil offered me long-term job goals,” Silvas said. Shortly after the address by Silvas and Gale, attendees viewed a presentation by Stunts Effects Coordinator Steve Wolf. The girls and their mothers had the opportunity to attend two breakout sessions, where they heard from successful females in different industries and participated in hands-on STEM activities. See Table 3 for a list of sessions available for the participants.

Unity and familial support were two underlying themes showcased during Latina Day, thus the invitation to the mothers to attend the event. During lunch, the girls and their mothers were treated to a special performance by UTPA’s Mariachi Aztlán. They also heard from the Cano family, a father-son-daughter trio who all proudly serve in the U.S. Navy. The Canos reiterated the importance of family support in the pursuit of excellence in education. To further stress the importance of Latinas in STEM careers, Dr. Martha Cantu, UTPA vice president for Student Affairs, and Judith A. Canales, acting deputy under secretary for the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development, addressed the participants.

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table 3:

Latina Day Sessions

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College Symposium The College of Business Administration held its symposium, themed “Beyond the Numbers: Accountants as Leaders,� on Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2012. The keynote address was given by Robert C. Vackar, CEO for the Bert Ogden Auto Group, McAllen, Texas, which was followed by a Q&A panel session with three successful business professionals: Dan Martinez, Managing Partner/CEO Dan Martinez and Associates, Houston, Texas Paul R. Estrada, Senior Manager Deloitte, Costa Mesa, California Susan Turley, CPA, Chief Financial Officer Doctors Hospital at Renaissance, Edinburg, Texas

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Evaluation Highlights Two hundred twenty-six students from participating school districts and local education agencies responded to the HESTEC Latina Day Student Survey while attending HESTEC Latina Day at The University of Texas-Pan American on Sept. 26, 2012.

Participants volunteering for the survey used an iPad provided by the Department of Community Engagement, which was the hosting organization. The survey had a total of 14 inquiries. The response rate time was approximately two minutes per participant. This survey was optional and student participants remain anonymous, as no personal identifiers were collected in the data set. The primary purpose of this survey is to assess the implementation and possible impact of the HESTEC program.

The following section of this report illustrates the general responses to some of the questions asked of the participants during HESTEC Latina Day.

Responses Below are the responses from the 226 students who participated in the HESTEC Latina Day Student Survey. Also provided, at the end of this report, is a random sample of selected unedited narrative responses of the comments or feedback that participants provided in a text box where they had the option to respond. Due to rounding, percentages may not always add to 100%.

H E S T E C 2 0 1 2 L AT I N A D AY | 2 7

What is your race/ethnicity?

4%

2%

HESTEC Latina Day has taught me about careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).

1%

1%

1%

93%

White/Non-Hispanic Black/Non-Hispanic Hispanic/Latino Other

What grade are you in?

100% of the participants responded “8th grade.”

0% of the participants responded “7th grade.”

0% of the participants responded “6th grade.”

How many times have you attended HESTEC in the past?

40% of the participants responded “None.”

30% of the participants responded “1 time.”

27% of the participants responded “2-3 times.”

3% of the participants responded “4 or more times.”

HESTEC Latina Day has inspired me to focus on academics and graduate from high school.

98%

98%

Yes No I’m Not Sure

HESTEC Latina Day was helpful in identifying my future career goals.

94% of the participants responded “Yes.” 0% of the participants responded “No.” 5% of the participants responded “I’m Not Sure.”

HESTEC Latina Day has motivated me to pursue my career goals.

99% of the participants responded “Yes.” 0% of the participants responded “No.” 1% of the participants responded “I’m Not Sure.”

HESTEC Latina Day has influenced me to pursue college studies in STEM fields.

86% of the participants responded “Yes.” 1% of the participants responded “No.” 13% of the participants responded “I’m Not Sure.”

HESTEC Latina Day has taught me about women in careers in the STEM fields.

2%

1%

Yes I’m Not Sure

2%

HESTEC Latina Day has inspired me to go to college.

1%

97%

Yes No I’m Not Sure

The women who presented today inspired me to pursue college studies in the STEM fields.

91% of the participants responded “Yes.” 2% of the participants responded “No.” 8% of the participants responded “I’m Not Sure.”

99% Yes I’m Not Sure

Overall, I am satisfied with HESTEC Latina Day activities.

100% of the participants responded “Yes.” 0% of the participants responded “No.” 0% of the participants responded “I’m Not Sure.”

H E S T E C 2 0 1 2 L AT I N A D AY | 2 8

The following is a random sample of selected unedited narrative responses of the comments or feedback that participants provided in blank text boxes where they had the option to respond.

Please tell us what you liked most about today.

• • • • • • • • • • • • •

• • •

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

The self-esteem presentation Robotics Learn about new careers Spending time with my mother The careers Everything Learning about college and for HESTEC to help me inspire to go to college We got to build solar power machines Building towers and learning more about the Navy What I liked most was the people inspiring me to do whatever I wanna be & telling me I could do it.

We had time to work with our moms and we got to build things.

When I was inspired to never let my fears of the difficulties ahead get ahead of me.

I really enjoyed that the sponsors were really entertaining and excited about informing us about HESTEC and T STEM. A reminder that as long as we set our mind on our goals we can accomplish anything.

Knowing women are just as good as men I liked where we visited the executive of IBM What liked most about today was spending time with my mom. I’ve learned so much fun meeting all these nice and educational women and them giving me advise to presume my dreams.

I loved the self image it really spoke to me and the presenters were awesome for their first time I loved the test so thank you to those two ladies you made a difference This day has showed me to do the best I can to succeed and become the person i’ve always wanted to be.

The women’s presentation That we had time to work with our moms and we got to build things.

The many different jobs Latinas can do.

Making a tower out of marshmallows and toothpick doing team work.

Everything, it was very helpful for my future I also learned to never give up on my dreams.

I like that we had to build a tower The food and how the women motivated us to follow our dreams and goals About the women of HEB that her parents had to go to a lot of stuff for her I liked the presentation with Kassandra. I liked it because she talked about how Latinas have unique qualities that define them and make them better.

How women can not only do a man’s job but be move better than them!!!!!!!!!

The presentation the girl told us about her story, and how her mom pushed her.

I enjoyed going to the different classrooms and learning about the careers in the engineering field The science lesion a teacher told us about

Comments or Additional feedback: • It was heart I loved it • Please, I hope you inspire more people just like you’ve inspired me • I am completely satisfied with HESTEC Latina Day. It was more than what I expected.

• Latina Day was super cool • Latina Day has inspired me to achieve more • This is my first time coming and so far I love it and I am looking forward for next time.

• I love the way they treated us, I felt like the most important person!

• I am glad I came and thankful for all the women who have spoken today.

• I had an awesome day today…I’ve never been to Latina Day…Today was my first time… and I really had fun :D I enjoyed it C: • It was so much fun I hope it is as inspiring to other people as it was to me • Very awesome • Thank you!!!

• Amazing • It was fantastic • Es muy divertido y te tratan bien y te animan • I love you guys and hope to be like u…u inspired me to keep going on to collage so thank you!!! XD • I would love to have more time to talk to many more people • Everything good organized • It was inspirational.

• Awesome school, thnk u 4 inviting our school and u all did an awesome job , ;) • I think that today was very well planned out and I hope my mother and I may enjoy this existence next year • It was a good presentation I liked it alot • That the navy is a good thing to work as because u help your state and your country and people.

H E S T E C 2 0 1 2 L AT I N A D AY | 2 9

More Evaluation Highlights A group of approximately 200 adult mothers, aunts, grandmothers or mentors of the Latina teens participating in Latina Day also attended. The following section of this report illustrates the general responses to some of the questions asked of the adult participants during HESTEC Latina Day. One hundred eighty-four adult Latinas from participating school districts and local education agencies responded to the HESTEC Latina Day Adult Survey while attending HESTEC Latina Day with middle school Latina students at The University of Texas-Pan American on Sept. 26, 2012. Participants volunteering for the survey used an iPad provided by the Department of Community Engagement, which was the hosting organization. The survey had a total of 15 inquiries. The response rate time was approximately three minutes per participant. This survey was optional and student participants remained anonymous, as no personal identifiers were collected in the data set. The primary purpose of this survey is to assess the implementation and possible impact of the HESTEC program. This survey was also available in the Spanish language for adults who chose to submit their responses in Spanish.

Responses Below are the responses from the 184 adults who responded to the HESTEC Latina Day Adult Survey. Also provided is a random sample of selected narrative responses of the comments or feedback that participants provided in a text box where they had the option to respond. Due to rounding, percentages may not always add to 100%.

What is your race/ethnicity?

Please indicate which of these categories represents your annual household income.

1%

2% 1%

96%

White/Non-Hispanic Black/Non-Hispanic Hispanic/Latino Asian

What is your highest level of education?

2%

22% 32%

How many times have you attended HESTEC in the past?

60% of the participants responded “None.”

19% of the participants responded “1 time.”

17% of the participants responded “2-3 times.”

4% of the participants responded “4 or more times.”

HESTEC Latina Day has inspired me to encourage my daughter to focus on academics and graduate from high school.

7%

11% 14% 18%

25% of the participants responded “Under $15,000” 22% of the participants responded “$15,000-$30,000” 14% of the participants responded “$30,001-$50,000” 17% of the participants responded “$50,001-$75,000” 12% of the participants responded “$75,001-$100,000” 10% of the participants responded “more than $100,000”

Less than HS High School Some College Bachelor’s Degree Master’s Degree Doctoral Degree

93% Strongly Agree Agree

H E S T E C 2 0 1 2 L AT I N A D AY | 3 0

HESTEC Latina Day has inspired me to encourage my daughter to go to college.

3%

HESTEC Latina Day has taught me about women in careers in the STEM fields.

87% of the participants responded “Strongly Agree.”

11% of the participants responded “Agree.”

1% of the participants responded “Not Sure or Neutral.”

0% of the participants responded “Disagree.”

0% of the participants responded “Strongly Disagree.”

The women who presented today inspired me to motivate my daughter to pursue college studies in the STEM fields.

93%

18%

Strongly Agree Agree

HESTEC Latina Day informed me about careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) that are available for my daughter.

2%

80%

1%

Strongly Agree Agree I’m Not Sure

10%

Overall, I am satisfied with HESTEC Latina Day activities.

89%

Strongly Agree Agree I’m Not Sure

7%

HESTEC Latina Day was helpful in identifying future career goals for my daughter.

91% of the participants responded “Strongly Agree.”

9% of the participants responded “Agree.”

0% of the participants responded “Not Sure or Neutral.”

0% of the participants responded “Disagree.”

0% of the participants responded “Strongly Disagree.”

93% Strongly Agree Agree

HESTEC Latina Day has motivated me to encourage my daughter to pursue her career goals.

92% of the participants responded “Strongly Agree.”

8% of the participants responded “Agree.”

0% of the participants responded “Not Sure or Neutral.”

0% of the participants responded “Disagree.”

0% of the participants responded “Strongly Disagree.”

HESTEC Latina Day has influenced me to motivate my daughter to pursue college studies in the STEM fields.

82% of the participants responded “Strongly Agree.”

17% of the participants responded “Agree.”

2% of the participants responded “Not Sure or Neutral.”

0% of the participants responded “Disagree.”

0% of the participants responded “Strongly Disagree.”

“The reason I left home was because ExxonMobil offered me long-term job goals.”

- Samantha Silvas, Team Lead ExxonMobil

H E S T E C 2 0 1 2 L AT I N A D AY | 3 1

The following is a random sample of selected unedited narrative responses of the comments or feedback that participants provided in blank text boxes where they had the option to respond.

Please tell us what you liked most about today.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

• •

• • • • • • • •

Hands on activities and oil presenter The different speakers for different careers All events Different presentations of talented, successful Latinas The Women Toyota way presentation was awesome! A lot of women empowerment sessions Hands on, making the robots Spending time with my dother Learning to help my daughter and know that I’m not alone that there people out there helping me to help her succeed in her goals Positive focus on science and technology. The yes you can attitude they conveyed.

The focus on education. Helping these girls realize the importance of education.

The guest speakers for Exxon Mobil. They opened my eyes to the world of possibilities for my daughters.

I love the fact that the presenters help us as parents…mothers…empower our daughter to aspire for a better life through education.

This opportunity provided me with information and motivation to encourage my daughter to persue her studies in math and science.

Thank you for bringing Steve Wolf very fun info thank you for treating us so well.

The presentations were wonderful. I really enjoyed how each of these ladies with similar backgrounds can pursue their dreams.

Speakers from Shell Oil Exposure to more opportunities for the future of my daughter The educational time I got to spend with my daughter, seeing how some of the information affects her decisions for her future.

I mostly enjoyed the presentation of women’s self image and the importance of branding ourselves. The fact the presenters made an effort to present in a foreign language to them was inspiring to our girls. Now they believe that hard work and effort pays off. The fact that the two female presenters have only been in the US for 4 years and they can speak the language at that level is clearly outstanding. They were ready to perform, prepared and dressed for the part. It gave the audience an excellent impression.

Everything also well proformence thanks for think about us the Latinos and for times you all take to this to make Latinas keep going further on.

I was focused more in engineering. I would really like for my daughter to study for that career because it is a really good career that will make her be someone in life! I want for her to do what I couldn’t do.

Todo estubo excelente Todo muy bonito y sobre todo muy especial para mi hija y su education Las platicas que nos dieron para segura con nuesto estudios Todo!

Todo fue una experiencia que la llevare en me mente Me gusto su organización Que mi hija va a tener muchas mejores opciones y que nosotras las mujeres tambien podemos salir adelante siempre Lo que mas me gusto fue la atencion y motivan mucho a Los ninos a seguir adelante

Comments or Additional feedback: • More interactive hands on activities more engagement.

• Would like to see more examples of science, engineering careers • Have more hands on activities , and have presenters be able to provide business cards for their audiences.

• Thanks for the opportunity to show our daughters the amazing possibilities.

• I would like for them to have a Latino day for men too • Surpassed my expectations!

• The campus is extraordinary hadn’t stepped a college campus since highschool • I have enjoyed the enthusiasm that everyone has shown!!

• Continue doing this with boys • Continue with this events, it really educate and provides knowledge to parents and students • I would like to attend every year to learn more about this event in education.

• Excellent presentations!! A ++++++ • Great job... Continue to influence the young ladies of the future • More presentations in high schools in the valley about stem • Surpassed my expectations!

• Felicidades muy bonito evento • Tengo 5 hijas gracias por la ayuda • Estubo muy bien que siguien asiendo estos events para motivar a Los estudiantes.

• Todo estubo maravilloso • Me agrado mucho y me gustaria que mis hijas sigan estudiando hasta terminar la universidad • Nos gusto mucho, Esperando a que realizen mas eventos porque motivan

H E S T E C 2 0 1 2 L AT I N A D AY | 3 2

Findings A vast number of students reported HESTEC Latina Day inspired them to focus on high school graduation and go to college. The teens believe the activities they experienced at HESTEC Latina Day were positive in nature and that the knowledge gained while participating in HESTEC Latina Day will impact their future career goals. Responses from the students also suggest that those who attended HESTEC learned more about careers in science, technology, engineering, and math. Additionally, students reported that the women who presented at HESTEC Latina Day inspired them to pursue college studies in the STEM fields. The survey data suggests students were engaged and enjoyed the day’s events.

Students reported enjoying the presentations and listening to other experts in STEM professions, particularly the women professionals. They also enjoyed attending sessions and engaging in hands-on activities provided. Overall, students were satisfied with HESTEC Latina Day.

Regarding the adults who attended Latina Day, many reported HESTEC Latina Day inspired them to encourage their daughters to focus on high school graduation and go to college. They believe the activities offered at HESTEC Latina Day were positive in nature and that the knowledge gained while participating in HESTEC will positively impact their future career goals. The ladies also suggest through their responses that those who attended HESTEC Latina Day learned more about careers in science, technology, engineering, and math. Equally important, the ladies also reported that the women who presented at HESTEC inspired them to motivate their daughters to pursue college studies in STEM fields. Survey data also suggests that the adults were engaged and enjoyed the day’s events, particularly the quality time spent with their daughters. Overall, the adults surveyed were satisfied with HESTEC Latina Day.

H E S T E C 2 0 1 2 R O B O T I C S D AY | 3 3

Robotics Day Thirty-nine teams — with five middle school students on each team — participated in the seventh annual HESTEC Robotics Day competition on Thursday, Sept. 27, 2012. Through the co-sponsorship of Time Warner Cable, students built a robot using the Lego Mindstorm 2.0, which consists of 619 elements that allow building radically unique designs. In addition, it also includes an NXT micro-computer that comes complete with motors and sensors that can be fully programmable by the students using visual programming.

“At Time Warner Cable, we need engineers, we need mathematicians and so we have to help encourage that at the beginning, rather than at the end.”

- Gavino Ramos, Senior Director of Communications for Time Warner Cable

H E S T E C 2 0 1 2 R O B O T I C S D AY | 3 4

The Physics Course goes back to basics with robots moving and rotating blocks. The course was equipped with three different stages. In Stage One, a field of wooden blocks tested the robots pushing force to burst through the enclosure and toss the blocks over the edge above a hidden button.

Stage Two examined the precision of the robot to flip and orient a block with the appropriate color towards a sensor that accepted only the green face. Stage Three exhibited the robot in a one-on-one sumo wrestling match with our own automated, tank-oriented, robot.

The Robotics Day competition follows the Region One GEAR UP student cohort through each grade level, and in 2012, the cohort falls under eighth grade. In order to take full advantage of the learning process, we have outlined the fundamentals of STEM into a seven-year curriculum that gets incrementally more technical and advanced in the fields of engineering, programming, mathematics, and science. The previous year had students learning to use remote-controlled quadrocopters that soared through the air and were piloted around an obstacle course.

In 2012, students were tasked to design and build a robot with the objective of remote-control navigation through three time limited obstacle courses, each based on a science theme of biology, physics or chemistry.

A teacher training was provided a month in advance of the competition to help the robotics coach train their students.

The robots had to be networked with a laptop or phone device using Bluetooth Technology to allow students to remotely control their designs. A new addition to Robotics Day was the introduction of a marketing component, where students learned to market their robotic design by filming a 30-second video commercial.

The Biology Course was designed to represent the digestive tract of a human with parasitic bacteria, represented by marbles, to be scooped up and quarantined within the “nanobot,” represented by the team’s robot. The lining of the tract is fragile, so any collisions with the wall of the course sounded off a buzzer alerting the teams of damage.

The robots started their journey through the bottom end of the tract, and then made their way through the twists and turns of the intestines into the stomach where they met the ulcer, represented by one of our own automated Lego Mindstorm 2.0 designs. In order to deactivate our design, the teams had to sneak behind and activate a button on its back. Students could then approach the mouth opening while attempting to hold as many quarantined bacteria as possible.

The Chemistry Course revolves around the tiny world of a petri dish where a nanobot must accurately shoot specific atoms to form newly created molecules. The robots are surrounded by a mixture of atoms, (H2), (O2), (2H2), (O2), (3H), (O2), and (N2). The team robot is preloaded with two carbon atoms (green ball), three oxygen atoms (blue ball), one nitrogen atom (yellow ball), and one silicon atom (red ball). Launching the correct atom allowed the creation of, H2O (water), CO2 (carbon dioxide), SiO2 (silica), O3 (ozone), CH4 (methane), NH3 (ammonia), and N2O (nitrous oxide). A rogue bacteria in the arena, represented by our own Lego Mindstorm 2.0 design, provided bonus points for knocking it upside-down.

The Video Commercial exposes the business aspect of a product to the teams. They were tasked with creating a video commercial based on a presentation rubric designed specifically for Robotics Day. The commercial and two-minute presentation had to encapsulate four aspects of video marketing: commercial dialog, commercial organization, product understanding, and demographic understanding.

The rubric was graded by a set of judges, one of whom was UTPA’s Associate Vice President for University Marketing and Communications, Dr. Kimberly Selber.

Photo of student participating in video commercial

H E S T E C 2 0 1 2 R O B O T I C S D AY | 3 5

Robotics Day has been growing in popularity every year as one of the most anticipated robotic events in South Texas. It allows students to explore the freedom of design while simultaneously learning the very fundamentals of science, technology, engineering and math.

“My science teacher asked me if I could do robotics and I was up for it because I like to try things that are new. Being involved in this shows we can do it. If we can persevere in this, we can persevere in anything.”

-Middle school student

Sea Perch Challenge “I take a lot of pride in being able to work with them. It gives me hope for our future. I think it demonstrates that this country has the capability and has a bright future in developing leaders and continuing leading the world in those fields of science, technology, engineering and math.”

- Senior Chief Phillip Wygans, U.S. Navy

Twenty-four teams of up to five high school students each were a part of the second annual HESTEC SeaPerch Challenge on Friday, Sept.

28, 2012. SeaPerch is an innovative underwater robotics program sponsored and introduced to The University of Texas-Pan American by the U.S. Navy in part by the Office of Naval Research.

The SeaPerch program was pilot tested in 2011 with 10 teams, and has since more than doubled in 2012. The program was offered to high school students ranging from ninth through 12th grade.

The SeaPerch Challenge targets the grade levels outside of the GEAR UP cohort in order to provide a wider range of students participating at HESTEC.

A teacher training is provided in conjunction with the U.S. Navy to help prepare the robotics coaches and their students for the still new underwater competition. The program guides coaches on how to teach their students to build an underwater Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) using the provided materials and tools that are packaged in the robotics kit.

Students competed in three events, an Obstacle Course, a Ring Pick-Up, and a Presentation. The Obstacle Course consisted of four hula hoops oriented in different directions that the underwater ROVs had to navigate through in a weaving pattern and then surface to the top. The Ring Pick-Up tested the maneuverability of each

robot by requiring them to pick up rings from the surface of the water or submerged underwater and placed into a designated receptacle. The presentation, which gained teams the most points, taught and prepared students to provide informative thoughts in a professional manner about the STEM fundamentals surrounding the SeaPerch. This included knowing about weight balance, buoyancy, propulsion and efficient design.

The SeaPerch ROV teaches basic skills in ship and submarine design and encourages students to explore naval architecture and marine and ocean engineering concepts. Students learn important engineering and design skills and are exposed to all the exciting careers that are possible in the U.S. Navy, which sponsored the SeaPerch Challenge.

H E S T E C 2 0 1 2 R O B O T I C S D AY | 3 6

College Symposium On Thursday, Sept. 27, 2012, during the College of Health Sciences and Human Services Symposium, keynote speaker Dr. Britt Rios-Ellis discussed community-based research to prevent obesity and diabetes and its links to related diseases (public health-centric). Rios-Ellis is director at the NCLR/CSULB Center for Latino Community Health, Evaluation and Leadership Training in California State University - Long Beach. Her address was followed by a panel discussion on “The Science of Health Promotion,� which highlighted remarks from: Eddie Olivarez, Director, Hidalgo County Health Department

Doreen Garza, Director, Border Health Office

Trinidad Soto, Community Health Specialist, Promotora, Border Health Office

Lieutenant Junior Grade Veronica White, U.S. Navy

Evaluation Highlights The following section of this report illustrates the general responses to some of the questions asked of the participants during HESTEC Robotics Day. One hundred seventy-eight students from participating school districts and local education agencies responded to the HESTEC Robotics Day Student Survey while attending HESTEC Robotics Day at The University of Texas-Pan American on September 27, 2012. Participants volunteering for the survey used an iPad provided by the Department of Community Engagement, which was the hosting organization. The survey had a total of 17 inquiries. The response rate time was approximately two and a half minutes per participant. This survey was optional and student participants remain anonymous, as no personal identifiers were collected in the data set. The primary purpose of this survey is to assess the implementation and possible impact of the HESTEC program.

Responses Below are the responses from the 178 students who participated in the HESTEC Robotics Day Student Survey. Also provided, at the end of this report, is a random sample of selected narrative responses of the comments or feedback that participants provided in a text box where they had the option to respond. Due to rounding, percentages may not always add to 100%.

What is your gender?

What is your race/ethnicity?

4% 39%

3%

61% Male Female

93%

White/Non-Hispanic Hispanic Other

H E S T E C 2 0 1 2 R O B O T I C S D AY | 3 7

What grade are you in?

91% of the participants responded “8th grade.”

3% of the participants responded “7th grade.”

6% of the participants responded “6th grade.”

How many times have you attended HESTEC in the past?

38% of the participants responded “None.”

33% of the participants responded “1 time.”

25% of the participants responded “2-3 times.”

5% of the participants responded “4 or more times.”

HESTEC Robotics Day has inspired me to focus on my school work and graduate from high school.

5%

1%

HESTEC Robotics Day has motivated me to pursue my career goals.

93% of the participants responded “Yes.” 2% of the participants responded “No.” 6% of the participants responded “I’m Not Sure.”

HESTEC Robotics Day has inspired me to pursue college studies in the STEM fields.

74% of the participants responded “Yes.” 4% of the participants responded “No.” 22% of the participants responded “I’m Not Sure.”

HESTEC Robotics Day has inspired me to pursue college studies in the STEM career fields with a special interest in engineering and robotics.

67% of the participants responded “Yes.” 8% of the participants responded “No.” 24% of the participants responded “I’m Not Sure.”

Preparing for HESTEC Robotics Day was the first time I have studied robotics.

94% Yes No I’m Not Sure

HESTEC Robotics Day has inspired me to go to college.

59% of the participants responded “Yes.” 38% of the participants responded “No.” 3% of the participants responded “I’m Not Sure.”

Without HESTEC Robotics Day, I would probably not have the opportunity to study robotics.

66% of the participants responded “Yes.” 21% of the participants responded “No.” 12% of the participants responded “I’m Not Sure.”

3%

97%

Because of HESTEC, I would like to learn more about a career in engineering and robotics.

18%

Yes I’m Not Sure

5%

HESTEC Robotics Day taught me about careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM).

75%

1%

Yes No I’m Not Sure

3%

1%

96% Yes No I’m Not Sure

HESTEC Robotics Day was helpful in identifying my future career goals.

88% of the participants responded “Yes.” 2% of the participants responded “No.” 10% of the participants responded “I’m Not Sure.”

Overall, I am satisfied with HESTEC Robotics Day events.

99% Yes No

H E S T E C 2 0 1 2 R O B O T I C S D AY | 3 8

The following is a random sample of selected unedited narrative responses of the comments or feedback that participants provided in blank text boxes where they had the option to respond.

Please tell us what you liked most about today.

• I like how it inspired me to learn more.

• Fixing the robot • I like the fact that we got a chance to try something new and it has been a wonderful experience.

• What I liked more about this was that I had fun and learn at the same time • I get to see all of the other schools’ videos and ideas on how to improve in the future.

• I liked the different presenters because they have inspired me to become better students • Competing with robots and having fun.

• Well, I could experience what I thought I will never see or do. Robotics fan is my description.

• When we watched our video and see how the questions where like • Seeing robots compete • It was fun to participate and learn more • When my team was getting ready to go and move the robots • Winning and the experience I had today • It was a lot of fun • All the robot displays • I liked the most about today to fix our robot • Seeing how everyone comes together to work as a team .

• I liked that even though this was my first time I had a lot of fun. I can tell that the expirence you have the better you are.

• I liked the way we got together as a team and compete just for fun.

• All the presentations and it’s a lot of fun • We get to meet new people.

• Presenting the commercial to the judges.

• The fact that I get to try all of this out • The apertunity to learn more than I now • I got to meet lots of new people. And see lots of different robots • Being able to compete with other schools and fun with friends and other people I meet • The quest we undertook • All the competitions and people I meet today • The events it was so awesome and the people were so nice • It is a fun and fair competition.

• Competing and having fun with my team • Having fun preparing and building self -confidence • Everything is really fun the courses are interesting and it is an opprotunity to challenge myself • That we got compete within different districts had fun while doing so.

• Being able to create a robot with my friends and compete against others • I really liked how we had the opportunity to come over here to UTPA to compete with other school with their robots and ours too.

• I liked that i got to interact with other schools and share ideas • That we get to experience engeneering for the second • I liked most that I had fun and I learned lots of subjects for example science and many more stuff.

• I liked the competitions and building the robots and practicing with them.

• I liked everything and how well the robotics taught you more about science.

• The army robots and the competition.

• I like getting to know other people with the same interests as me. I had a lot of fun and was amazed by the robots I witnessed today.

• It is an amazing experience to me and all of my friends. I really learnd how to program and how to build new stuff. its awesome .

• We learned how to build and create a robot

Comments or Additional feedback: • Thank you for creating this. It has given me a chance to do something different • It’s really cool • I love build the robots • I have had a really good time and I hope that I can come back next year.

• It’s pretty cool • I believe hestec should continue.

• Nothing. it is perfect • I really like the opportunitys I have here • Hestec is awesome • I will try to continue with robotics and enginiring • I love robots • It was a good experience for me thank you so much • I want to come back next year • This is a fun program and teaches us a lot • Nothing it turned out really nice :D • I really enjoyed it and gave a clue on what I want to do in college • It helps us learn a lot of things for future career • I had a lot of fun today and would like to come back next year.

• Do this every year But next year make it more challenging :) • Continue robotics its a lot of fun for me • No change everything was great!

• This was awesome! PERIOD. • Robotics is fun • It’s amazing so they should keep doing this every year • This is my first time and I enjoyed it thank you • It is a great way to have fun and study engineering and robotics • I having an amazing time learning about robotics!

• Awesome made friends and spent lots of fun with my robot • I loved coming here I hope they have this in high school • HESTEC Robotics Day has taught me a lot about teamwork and always doing your best, no matter how bad a situation seems.

• This program gives me the chance to combine science, engineering, and math! I really enjoyed it and I hope to be back next year for HESTEC, • I love hestec and anything involved in this and I hope to be in more events involved with this • The best day ever

H E S T E C 2 0 1 2 R O B O T I C S D AY | 3 9

More Evaluation Highlights The following section of this report illustrates the general responses to some of the questions asked of the participants during HESTEC Robotics Day. Forty-five Robotics coaches from participating school districts and local education agencies responded to the HESTEC Robotics Day Coach Survey while attending HESTEC Robotics Day at The University of Texas-Pan American on Sept.27, 2012. Participants volunteering for the survey used an iPad provided by the Department of Community Engagement, which was the hosting organization. The survey had a total of 22 inquiries. The response rate time was approximately two and a half minutes per participant. This survey was optional and student participants remained anonymous, as no personal identifiers were collected in the data set. The primary purpose of this survey is to assess the implementation and possible impact of the HESTEC program.

Responses Below are some of the responses from the 45 Robotics Team coaches who responded to the HESTEC Robotics Day Coach Survey. Due to rounding, percentages may not always add to 100%.

What is your gender?

42%

How long have you been in the education field?

4% of the participants responded “Less than one year.”

38% of the participants responded “1-5 years.”

38% of the participants responded “6-10 years.”

20% of the participants responded “more than 10 years.”

What content areas do you work with?

58%

What is your race/ethnicity?

Male Female

22% of the participants responded “Mathematics.”

51% of the participants responded “Science.”

40% of the participants responded “Technology.”

29% of the participants responded “Other.”

What grade levels do you teach or work with?

0% of the participants responded “Elementary school.”

89% of the participants responded “Middle School.”

7% of the participants responded “High School.”

4% of the participants responded “All of the above.”

7%

How many times have you attended HESTEC in the past?

87%

7% White/Non-Hispanic Hispanic Other

What is your highest level of education?

4% of the participants responded “Less than high school.”

0% of the participants responded “High school.”

0% of the participants responded “Some college.”

44% of the participants responded “Bachelor’s degree.”

51% of the participants responded “Master’s degree.”

0% of the participants responded “Doctorate degree: Ph.D./ Medical Degree: M.D./Law Degree: J.D.”

22% of the participants responded “None.”

40% of the participants responded “1 time.”

29% of the participants responded “2-3 times.”

9% of the participants responded “4 or more times.”

2%

Strongly Agree Agree

19%

Not Sure

79%

The robotics competition enhanced my view about Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math careers (STEM).

H E S T E C 2 0 1 2 R O B O T I C S D AY | 4 0

Attending and preparing for HESTEC Robotics Day competition was an opportunity to enhance my own technology skills.

83% of the participants responded “Strongly Agree.”

14% of the participants responded “Agree.”

2% of the participants responded “Not Sure or Neutral.”

0% of the participants responded “Disagree.”

0% of the participants responded “Strongly Disagree.”

Attending HESTEC Robotics Day impacted the knowledge that I will share with my students in my classroom.

19% 79%

2% Strongly Agree Agree I’m Not Sure

The networking opportunities at HESTEC Robotics Day with colleagues and other professionals enriched my repertoire as an educator.

71% of the participants responded “Strongly Agree.”

24% of the participants responded “Agree.”

5% of the participants responded “Not Sure or Neutral.”

0% of the participants responded “Disagree.”

0% of the participants responded “Strongly Disagree.”

I would like to attend HESTEC in years to come.

Please select the average amount of time each day your team worked on their robot.

20% of the participants responded “1 hour.”

41% of the participants responded “2 hours.”

27% of the participants responded “3 hours.”

2% of the participants responded “4 hours.”

10% of the participants responded “5 or more hours.”

Please select the days of the week your team worked on their robot.

93% of the participants responded “Monday.”

90% of the participants responded “Tuesday.”

93% of the participants responded “Wednesday.”

90% of the participants responded “Thursday.”

61% of the participants responded “Friday.”

34% of the participants responded “Saturday.”

7% of the participants responded “Sunday.”

Please select the ages of your students.

3% of the participants responded “10.”

8% of the participants responded “11.”

20% of the participants responded “12.”

78% of the participants responded “13.”

50% of the participants responded “14.”

3% of the participants responded “15.”

0% of the participants responded “16.”

0% of the participants responded “17.”

Please rate the level of team work applied by your students.

0% of the participants responded “Very Low.” 0% of the participants responded “Low.” 18% of the participants responded “Medium.”

38% of the participants responded “High.”

45% of the participants responded “Very High.”

83% of the participants responded “Strongly Agree.”

17% of the participants responded “Agree.”

0% of the participants responded “Not Sure or Neutral.”

0% of the participants responded “Disagree.”

0% of the participants responded “Strongly Disagree.”

2%

I feel motivated to encourage my students to pursue degrees in the STEM fields.

88% of the participants responded “Strongly Agree.”

12% of the participants responded “Agree.”

0% of the participants responded “Not Sure or Neutral.”

0% of the participants responded “Disagree.”

0% of the participants responded “Strongly Disagree.”

14% 83%

Overall, I am satisfied with HESTEC Robotics Day activities.

Strongly Agree Agree Strongly Disagree

H E S T E C 2 0 1 2 R O B O T I C S D AY | 4 1

Please rate the level of Engineering applied by your students.

0% of the participants responded “Very Low.” 3% of the participants responded “Low.” 28% of the participants responded “Medium.”

33% of the participants responded “High.”

38% of the participants responded “Very High.”

Please rate the level of Computer Programming applied by your students.

0% of the participants responded “Very Low.” 8% of the participants responded “Low.” 30% of the participants responded “Medium.”

40% of the participants responded “High.”

23% of the participants responded “Very High.”

Please rate the level of Science applied by your students.

0% of the participants responded “Very Low.” 5% of the participants responded “Low.” 28% of the participants responded “Medium.”

26% of the participants responded “High.”

41% of the participants responded “Very High.”

Please rate the level of Math applied by your students.

3% of the participants responded “Very Low.” 5% of the participants responded “Low.” 38% of the participants responded “Medium.”

28% of the participants responded “High.”

28% of the participants responded “Very High.”

Findings The vast majority of students reported HESTEC Robotics Day inspired them to focus on high school graduation and go to college. They believe the activities afforded them while at HESTEC were positive in nature and that the knowledge gained while participating in HESTEC will impact their future career goals. Responses also suggest that students who attended HESTEC learned more about careers in science, technology, engineering, and math. In addition, students reported aspirations and positive perceptions of STEM careers as is evidenced by a significant number of students reporting because of HESTEC, they would like to learn more about a career in engineering and robotics. It is also worthy to note that many students reported that without HESTEC Robotics Day, they would probably not have the opportunity to study robotics. The survey data clearly suggests that students were engaged and enjoyed HESTEC events. Students reported enjoying listening to world renowned physicist and other experts in STEM professions. They also enjoyed attending sessions and engaging in hands-on activities provided. Overall, students were satisfied with HESTEC Robotics Day. Robotics coaches agreed that HESTEC Robotics Day impacted the knowledge that they will share with their students in their classroom. They also agreed that attending HESTEC Robotics Day competition was an opportunity to enhance their own technology skills. Coaches also reported feeling motivated to encourage their students to pursue degrees in the STEM fields. Furthermore, coaches also agreed that the networking opportunities at HESTEC Robotics Day with colleagues and other professionals enriched their repertoire as educators. Regarding the levels of effort that the students contributed to building their team robot, the coaches reported high to very high levels of engineering, science, math and computer programming used by their students. The survey data suggests the coaches enjoyed the day’s events.

Overall, robotics coaches were satisfied with HESTEC Robotics Day.

HESTEC 2012 CAREER EXPO | 42

Career Expo On Friday, Sept. 28, 2012, hundreds of college students visited the Career Expo, hosted by the Office of Career Services at The University of Texas-Pan American. Students were afforded the opportunity to meet with representatives from corporate America, federal government and small businesses.

This event is one of the largest career fairs in the Rio Grande Valley. Below is a list of the organizations that registered to participate: 1. AFLAC 2. ALPS 3.

American Airlines 4.

Austin Police Department 5.

AXA Advisors 6.

BBVA Compass Bank 7.

Bert Ogden Motors 8.

Brownsville Public Utilities Board 9.

Burton, McCumber and Cortez 10.

C. H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc. 11. Chase 12. Chevron 13.

Coca Cola 14.

Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute 15.

Dallas Police Department 16.

Farmers Insurance Group- District Office for Agency Development 17.

Fastenal Company 18.

Federal Bureau of Investigation 19.

Ferguson, a Wolseley Company 20.

First National Bank 21. Frito-Lay 22.

Green Mountain Energy Company 23. Halliburton 24. H-E-B 25.

IBC Bank 26. IBM 27.

IDEA Public Schools 28.

Luby’s Inc. 29.

Marathon Oil 30. Marshall’s

31. NASA 32.

New York Life Insurance Company 33.

NOAA/National Weather Service 34.

Northrop Grumman Corporation 35.

Procter & Gamble Company 36. Raytheon 37.

Regency Nursing and Rehabilitation Centers Inc. 38.

Sherwin-Williams Paint Company 39.

Stripes/Susser Holdings 40.

Sylvan Learning Center 41.

Target Corporation 42. TDIndustries 43.

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality 44.

Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts 45.

Texas Department of Public Safety 46.

Texas Department of Transportation 47.

Time Warner Cable 48.

Toyota Motor Manufacturing 49.

Tyson Foods Inc. 50. Univision 51.

United States Army 52.

UC Synergetic, Inc. 53.

United States Marine Corps Officer Programs 54.

United Parcel Service (UPS) 55.

United States Navy 56.

UTPA Alumni Relations 57.

UTPA Police Department 58.

UTPA Graduate Office 59.

UTPA Information Technology 60.

Woodcrafters Home Products, LLC.

HESTEC 2012 CAREER EXPO | 43

Many success stories have come out of the various career events and activities held at The University of Texas-Pan American, such as the Fall Career Expo. For instance, Burton, McCumber and Cortez, Chevron, Dallas Police Department, Frito-Lay and Toyota Motor Manufacturing are among the organizations that have hired students and alumni from UTPA. Several organizations have offered internships so students could acquire experience in their field of interest.

This event is an opportunity for students from UTPA and other South Texas colleges and universities to network and expand their career opportunities.

More than 1,000 college and university students from South Texas had a chance to meet with representatives from 60 corporations, businesses and government organizations at the Career Expo held on Sept. 28, 2012. The Career Expo, which is managed by the Office of Career Services, is held in conjunction with the HESTEC activities.

The Career Expo focuses on informing students, from all majors and classifications, about the many opportunities that are available to them for internships and permanent careers.

Organizations also participate in a variety of outreach and recruiting opportunities such as class presentations, information sessions and on-campus interviews.

On-Campus Interviews Employer Name

Major

Chevron

Electrical Engineering (BSEE) Mechanical Engineering (BSME) Electrical Engineering (MSE) Mechanical Engineering (MSE) Computer Engineering (BSCE) Civil Engineering (BS)

Gary W. Lambert and Company

IBM

IBM

Accountancy (MACC) Accounting (BBA) Accounting (MSA) Finance (BBA) Management (BBA)

Number of Students Interviewed

12

4

Electrical Engineering (BSEE) Mechanical Engineering (BSME) Electrical Engineering (MSE) Mechanical Engineering (MSE) Computer Engineering (BSCE)

7

Computer Science (BSCS) Computer Engineering (BSCE) Computer Science (MS)

5

Procter & Gamble Company

Computer Engineering (BSCE) ,EE, MSE, Civil Eng., Biology

14

Raytheon

Mechanical Engineering

3

HESTEC 2012 CAREER EXPO | 44

Information Sessions Event Name

Majors

Target Corporation

Management, Marketing

26

Teach for America

Interdisciplinary Studies, Mass Communication, Marketing

5

IBM

Computer Engineering, Computer Information Systems, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering

27

Manufacturing Engineering, Physics, Mass Communication, Spanish, Computer Engineering, Finance

6

Teach for America

Student Participation

IBM

Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering

Northrop Grumman

Accounting, Finance, Management, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Business Administration, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Economics

Chevron Corporation

24

48

Engineering

29

Class Presentations Event Name

Number of Classes

Student Participation

Procter and Gamble

8

200

Tyson Foods

6

90

U.S. Navy

35

600

HESTEC 2012 CAREER EXPO | 45

Middle School Challenge

Concurrent to the Career Expo was the Middle School Challenge, which took place from Sept. 25-28, 2012. Approximately 4,000 middle school students and chaperones visited the UTPA campus for a half-day event full of educational exhibits and hands-on STEM activities.

The Middle School Challenge featured the following: •

Little Shop of Physics, sponsored by the National Science Foundation

•

UTPA Office for Sustainability’s Green Hero Presentation

•

U.S. Navy Simulator and other assets

•

World Birding Center

•

Raytheon’s MathMovesU

•

Center of Excellence in STEM Education

•

NASA’s Driven to Explore Trailer

•

Microbes: Invisible Invaders, Amazing Allies

•

A presentation by guest speakers from the U.S. Department of Agriculture

•

H-E-B Planetarium

•

College of Engineering and Computer Science’s Engineering Wonderland

Little Shop of Physics The Little Shop of Physics, sponsored by the National Science Foundation, is a traveling hands-on science program from Colorado State University designed to stimulate students’ interest in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). The exhibit was available for student exploration at The University of Texas-Pan American beginning Tuesday, Sept. 25 through Friday, Sept. 28, 2012. Hundreds of students visited the exhibit to have fun and learn from the 150 hands-on displays.

“Middle school is the age when kids decide if science and math are going to be something they are going to do. We want to give them a window to see that science is exciting, it is cool and it is accessible. Even if you haven’t thought of yourself as being someone who could do science, you are.”

- Brian Jones, director of the Little Shop of Physics

H E S T E C 2 0 1 2 C O M M U N I T Y D AY | 4 6

Community Day

To bring to an end a great week of championing STEM, UTPA hosted its Community Day on Saturday, Sept. 29, 2012. Sponsored by H-E-B, the entire community was invited to attend this free event for people of all ages. HESTEC Community Day featured educational exhibits, presentations, food and activity booths by UTPA student organizations, and a concert. Families were able to engage in activities and conversations regarding STEM and postsecondary education opportunities.

Among the most popular exhibits was the Navy Simulator. People, young and old, were able to experience first-hand riding in a state of the art exhibit. There was also an array of exhibits and attractions on display in each of the colleges throughout the university. These activities incorporated families sharing time together learning about science and STEM careers. An added feature to the Community Day festivities was the opportunity for student organizations from the university to offer food booths as well as provide music and games while community members walked the university’s campus grounds.

H E S T E C 2 0 1 2 C O M M U N I T Y D AY | 4 7

Microbes: Invisible Invaders, Amazing Allies The Microbes: Invisible Invaders, Amazing Allies exhibit opened on Sept. 24, 2012 at the UTPA Visitors Center and provided the public with a glimpse into the unseen world of microbes.

The exhibit, free to all visitors, examines what microbes are, what they look like and their effects, both good and bad.

By using 3-D images visitors to the exhibit could view what “good guy” and “bad guy” microbes look like beyond the naked eye. The exhibition also included high-tech displays, computer games and stunning special effects. A hands on foosball-style game gave students an opportunity to learn about the body’s natural lines of defense against infectious diseases.

The bilingual exhibition has travelled throughout the United States and internationally. It was made possible by Evergreen Exhibitions and Pfizer Inc. and was on display from Sept. 24, 2012 - Jan. 6, 2013.

H E S T E C 2 0 1 2 C O M M U N I T Y D AY | 4 8

Evaluation Highlights The following section of this report illustrates the general responses to some of the questions asked of the participants during HESTEC Community Day. The entire Community Day Survey can be found at the end of this report in the Appendices section.

One hundred thirty-seven community members responded to the HESTEC Community Day Survey while attending HESTEC Community Day at The University of Texas-Pan American on Sept. 29, 2012. Participants volunteering for the survey used an iPad provided by the Department of Community Engagement, which was the hosting organization.

Due to inclement weather, paper copies of the survey were also collected. The survey had a total of 17 inquiries. The response rate time was approximately two minutes per participant. This survey was optional and participants remained anonymous, as no personal identifiers were collected in the data set. The primary purpose of this survey is to assess the implementation and possible impact of the HESTEC program.

Responses Below are some of the responses from the 137 participants who participated in the HESTEC Community Day Survey. Also provided, at the end of this section of this report, is a random sample of selected unedited narrative responses of the comments or feedback that participants provided in a text box where they had the option to respond. Due to rounding, percentages may not always add to 100%.

What is your gender?

What is your race/ethnicity?

10%

43% 90%

57%

White/Non-Latino Hispanic/Latino Asian

Male Female

How old are you?

What is your highest level of education?

4% 6%

17% 35%

4% 3%

12% 27%

16% 18 or younger 19-25 26-35 36-45 46-59 60 or more

23%

16% 37%

Less than HS High School Some College Bachelor’s Degree Master’s Degree Doctoral Degree

H E S T E C 2 0 1 2 C O M M U N I T Y D AY | 4 9

Please indicate which of these categories represents your annual household income.

12% of the participants responded “Under $15,000” 24% of the participants responded “$15,000-$30,000” 27% of the participants responded “$30,001-$50,000” 19% of the participants responded “$50,001-$75,000” 10% of the participants responded “$75,001-$100,000” 8% of the participants responded “more than $100,000”

Today, I learned about resources and programs that can help me motivate my children or other family members to go to college.

61% of the participants responded “Strongly Agree.”

30% of the participants responded “Agree.”

7% of the participants responded “Not Sure/Neutral.”

0% of the participants responded “Disagree.”

2% of the participants responded “Strongly Disagree.”

How many times have you attended HESTEC in the past? I am motivated to share what I have learned about 17% of the participants responded “None.”

STEM careers at HESTEC with my children and family 31% of the participants responded “1 time.” at home.

30% of the participants responded “2-3 times.”

22% of the participants responded “4 or more times.”

How did you hear about today’s event?

18% of the participants responded “UTPA newspaper or website” 39% of the participants responded “Television” 5% of the participants responded “Newspaper” 7% of the participants responded “Poster, flyers” 17% of the participants responded “Friends (word of mouth)” 3% of the participants responded “Facebook or other social media” 29% of the participants responded “Other”

69% of the participants responded “Strongly Agree.”

29% of the participants responded “Agree.”

1% of the participants responded “Not Sure/Neutral.”

1% of the participants responded “Disagree.”

0% of the participants responded “Strongly Disagree.”

I am more interested in having my children or other family members pursue a STEM career after attending HESTEC Community Day. 62% of the participants responded “Strongly Agree.”

28% of the participants responded “Agree.”

7% of the participants responded “Not Sure/Neutral.”

2% of the participants responded “Disagree.”

0% of the participants responded “Strongly Disagree.”

The activities and topics discussed today broadened my view about Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) careers.

I have a better understanding of what an engineer does after attending HESTEC Community Day.

2%

30%

5%

63%

59% of the participants responded “Strongly Agree.”

32% of the participants responded “Agree.”

7% of the participants responded “Not Sure/Neutral.”

2% of the participants responded “Disagree.”

1% of the participants responded “Strongly Disagree.”

I would like to continue attending HESTEC in years to come.

Strongly Agree Agree Not Sure/Neutral Disagree

I am more interested in having my children or other family members go to college after attending today’s event.

70% of the participants responded “Strongly Agree.”

24% of the participants responded “Agree.”

3% of the participants responded “Not Sure/Neutral.”

2% of the participants responded “Disagree.”

0% of the participants responded “Strongly Disagree.”

81% of the participants responded “Strongly Agree.”

16% of the participants responded “Agree.”

2% of the participants responded “Not Sure/Neutral.”

0% of the participants responded “Disagree.”

0% of the participants responded “Strongly Disagree.”

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HESTEC Community Day was well organized.

I would recommend HESTEC Community Day to someone else.

4% 4% 1% 31%

75% of the participants responded “Strongly Agree.”

22% of the participants responded “Agree.”

2% of the participants responded “Not Sure/Neutral.”

1% of the participants responded “Disagree.”

0% of the participants responded “Strongly Disagree.”

60%

Strongly Agree Agree Not Sure/Neutral Disagree Strongly Disagree

Overall, I am satisfied with today’s events.

3%

1%

20% 76%

Strongly Agree Agree Not Sure/Neutral Strongly Disagree

Findings Respondents to the survey believe the activities and topics discussed while participating in HESTEC Community Day broadened their view about science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) careers. Responses also suggest that respondents were more interested in having their children or other family members go to college after attending HESTEC Community Day. Furthermore, respondents reported that they were motivated to share what they learned about STEM careers at HESTEC Community Day with their children and family at home. HESTEC clearly fosters a culture of communication and conversations amongst families in the community. Adults are interested in not only obtaining, but sharing their knowledge as well. Overall, respondents were satisfied with HESTEC Community Day.

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UTPA Student Organizations’ Participation and Contributions UTPA student organizations had an opportunity to participate in HESTEC and engage the community through various means including college symposiums for all to visit and learn about science, technology, engineering and math. The symposiums were hosted by many of the colleges on the UTPA campus and incorporated college students facilitating activities for the community.

Student organizations also served as student guides for the thousands of middle school and high school students who visited the campus throughout the week. The UTPA students spoke with the younger students about their experiences as college students. This component of HESTEC is vital, in that many of the students who attend HESTEC will be first-generation college-going students, as was self-reported on the HESTEC student leadership survey. Approximately 52% of the middle school students responded that their mothers and/or fathers have only some college or less; therefore, it is imperative for current UTPA students to serve as role models to middle and high school students to assist in encouraging younger students to enroll in, and graduate from college.

Those UTPA students who were interested in data collection and program evaluation were able to assist with implementing surveys through the use of iPads, while engaging with the community. Students learned the overall, general survey implementation process, general process of customer service and professional behavior used to engage with a survey participant.

As well as gaining volunteer hours and building stronger ties with the community, the student organizations also benefited financially. Student organizations were contracted for services such as setting up and taking down presentation areas, organizing and leading middle school and high school student groups to various locations throughout the campus, and implementing surveys.

Student organizations also raised money by setting up food booths on Community Day. The organizations reported that their earnings will be used for things such as: national dues for their organization, charity and community service projects that take place locally, and for off-setting miscellaneous expenses that may be incurred throughout the academic school year.

HESTEC was an opportunity for UTPA students to actively engage not only with other student organizations, but to engage with the community at large. It is evident that UTPA students benefited tremendously by participating in HESTEC.

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Conclusion

HESTEC 2012 was a culmination of events that impacted the lives of many students, parents, teachers and community members throughout the week. The high visibility of partners representing corporate, government, and educational entities made this a learning experience for all through presentations, exhibits and hands-on activities.

Educators had the opportunity to attend an array of events ranging from relevant sessions to roundtable discussions including congressional representation. Students attended hands-on, engaging sessions to motivate and inspire them and to spark an interest in STEM-related careers. Students also had opportunities to manipulate robots and talk with professionals in STEM-related careers. For many, this event provided enriching life-changing experiences that they may have not otherwise had.

It is strongly suggested by the survey responses provided that HESTEC is an invaluable experience for not only students but parents, educators and community members.

Student leaders report being satisfied with the experience and would also recommend it to others. Mothers and daughters who attended Latina Day may not have had the opportunity or the forum to discuss options of STEM careers for their daughters in the future, or to discuss the option of postsecondary education. Had it not been for this experience, many of the students would not have had an opportunity to hear from professionals in the STEM fields or to participate in hands-on learning opportunities in STEM, like manipulating robots. Many students who vied in the Robotics Day competition may not have had the opportunity to learn about creating or programming a robot.

To that end, it is imperative that these opportunities continue.

Since its inception in 2001, HESTEC has provided opportunities for students, educators, community members and corporate sponsors to come together in the spirit of exploring and understanding STEM and the significance of pursuing STEM careers. One can make the assumption that as the years have progressed and as HESTEC has evolved, many other positive experiences and opportunities have taken flight. ExxonMobil camps, Shell camps, Texas Manufacturing Assistance Center summer camps, robotics competitions, a regional science bowl competition, and the creation of science clubs and organizations at the local campus levels are only a few dynamic examples of the concepts that have come to fruition since HESTEC was initiated.

HESTEC must continue to be the catalyst and driving force in informing and impacting not only the community, but the surrounding region of the importance of STEM careers. In doing so, it is our hope that other underrepresented minority students will be challenged and given the opportunity to excel in the STEM fields. These first-hand experiences may have very well planted the proverbial seed of pursuing a postsecondary education and encouraging students to pursue career opportunities in the STEM fields.

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Acknowledgements

HESTEC could not exist without the support of partners. To that end, it is with sincere gratitude that UTPA wishes to acknowledge the generosity of our partners.

Thank you to the following entities:

Educational Sponsor

Title Sponsor

Lead Sponsor

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Acknowledgements Diamond Sponsors

Gold Sponsor

Silver Sponsors

Bronze Sponsors

Panel Sponsors

Bronc Sponsors

Congressional Reception and Dinner Sponsors

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About the Authors Contributing Authors Irma Doris Mendiola holds a doctoral degree in Educational Leadership from The University of Texas-Pan American, where her emphasis of study was the impact of pre-collegiate programs on underrepresented, minority high school graduates who enrolled in college. She has more than 20 years of service in public education, including experience as a public school educator and administrator. Her teaching experiences expand over middle school, secondary and postsecondary education. Mendiola is currently the program evaluator for the Department of Community Engagement at The University of Texas-Pan American.

Jessica Idy Salinas is the director for University Events at The University of Texas-Pan American, where she currently oversees community and economic development programs. Salinas holds a master’s degree in Business Administration and is currently working on a Ph. D. in Leadership Studies from Our Lady of the Lake University. She 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 The University of Texas-Pan American. Salinas also has more than 20 years of military service in the U.S. Navy where she now serves as a Lieutenant.

Karen Dorado is the events manager for the Department of Community Engagement at The University of Texas-Pan American, where her primary contribution is coordinating community outreach programs. Dorado holds a master’s degree from UTPA in Public Administration.

Joel Ruiz is the technology event specialist and coordinator of HESTEC Robotics Day and UTPA’s Department of Energy Regional Science Bowl. Ruiz has assisted with technology at the Department of Community Engagement since 2009.

Acknowledgements Thank you to Lou Servantes, Career Services at The University of Texas-Pan American, for data contributed for this report; Maripili Menchaca, graphic designer and Luis Reyes, graduate student assistant at the Department of Community Engagement, and UTPA Studio Twelve01, who contributed to the overall design of this publication.

A special thanks also goes to Mr. Marty Baylor, UTPA vice president for Business Affairs for his support in this effort; the UTPA Divisions of Business Affairs and University Advancement; the UTPA Office of Public Affairs; the UTPA HESTEC Advisory Council; the UTPA deans and colleges for their participation in the symposiums; and Region One GEAR UP for their contributions and support.

To U.S. Congressman Rubén Hinojosa (TX-15) for his undying support of HESTEC since its inception, thank you. Finally, thank you to Dr. Robert S. Nelsen, president of The University of Texas-Pan American, for his direction and unconditional support for special projects including HESTEC. Dr. Nelsen, thank you for your commitment to our community, and for living your motto: Somos familia.

The University of Texas - Pan American 1201 W. University Dr. Edinburg, TX 78539 Tel: (956) 665 - 3361 www.utpa.edu/hestec