STEM Camp Empowers High School Students

While some high school students spent their summer by the pool or at the beach, 27 Pomona and Bonita unified school district students conducted scientific experiments, solved equations and analyzed water samples. It was part of University of La Verne’s annual Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Camp – a two-week session that exposes teens to STEM fields and the college experience.

“We hope to encourage them to pursue a college degree or to further their education,” said Amanda Todd, STEM Project Assistant. “We hope it also opens their eyes to a variety of STEM fields.”

Students attended lectures given by La Verne faculty and participated in experiments that emphasized different STEM fields. They also toured Jet Propulsion Laboratory, collected water samples from San Antonio Creek and collected insects and reptiles from the San Dimas Experimental Forest. They are also given instruction in speech and debate to learn how to articulate complex ideas. The camp – which ran July 12-24 this year – has been held five times previously.

The diversity of topics covered in the camp is a major draw because it helps students narrow their focus or consider studying other fields they had not considered before.

“I’m debating between studying environmental science and civil engineering. However, this is a unique opportunity to learn about different sciences,” said Aldo Martinez, who will be a senior at Fremont High School in the fall.

Marleni Munguia, who will be a junior at Garey High School in the fall, is also considering multiple STEM fields.

“I’m already leaning towards biology and animal science, but I like that there are a lot of options to experience to help me be more decisive,” she said.

Associate Professor of Chemistry Dr. Ricardo Morales said exposing students to science is important because it is not emphasized enough in grade school.

“This program allows me to provide information and advice to high school students, particularly about what classes they should be taking according to their field of interest,” Morales said.

A separate group of seven Taft College students focused on STEM research by shadowing La Verne faculty members for one week and assisting them with research.

View Photos from Inland Valley Daily Bulletin.