STEMward Bound Summer Camp Empowering Students at SWTJC 

Press Release by SWTJC: Photo credit SWTJC

Uvalde, TX,
August 8, 2023 – Southwest Texas Junior College (SWTJC) in Uvalde, celebrates the successful completion of its fifth annual STEMward Bound summer camp, reaffirming its commitment to fostering the next generation of STEM leaders. The two-week program, held from July 16 to July 28, brought together 25 incoming college students from high schools in the college’s 11-county service, providing them with a transformative experience in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. 

The STEMward Bound program has gained momentum over the years, witnessing its students’ exceptional achievements as they go on to pursue their education at renowned universities and graduate with coveted Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) degrees. The camp’s primary focus is to increase enrollment, retention, degree completion, and transfer of Hispanic and low-income students in STEM-field programs. By nurturing students’ interest in STEM and fostering engagement in STEM literacy, the program aims to make a positive impact on the educational landscape. 

“Our mission with STEMward Bound is to empower students from diverse backgrounds and equip them with the necessary skills and exposure to excel in STEM fields,” stated Catarino Morales III, Title V Director at SWTJC. “We are thrilled to see the impact of this program in shaping the future of these young talents.” 

Throughout the intensive two-week camp, students immersed themselves in a plethora of activities, providing them with a well-rounded and comprehensive understanding of STEM disciplines. The schedule included classroom instruction, university campus tours and career exploration facility visits. These activities aimed to provide an ideal first-year college experience and broaden the students’ horizons in the world of STEM. 

The camp took the participants on an enlightening journey, with various stops at prominent universities and institutions. The STEMward activities included: 

• Anatomage Table presentation and Team Building activities on the SWTJC Campus. 
• Engaging Computer Science Lesson with Hector Rivera at SWTJC Campus. 
• Insightful Chemistry Lesson with Jesus Garcia at SWTJC Campus. 
• Eye-opening tour of Uvalde Memorial Hospital. 
  
  The students also had the opportunity to visit multiple universities and facilities in Kingsville, Corpus Christi, San Angelo, San Antonio, College Station, and Austin. The tours included visits to Texas A&M University – Kingsville, Texas A&M School of Pharmacy, Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi, Angelo State University, St. Mary’s University, University of Texas San Antonio, Texas A&M University San Antonio, and University of Texas – Austin. Additionally, the students had a chance to explore the Botanical Gardens and engage in a Cybersecurity visit at UTSA, along with a lunch meeting with Samsung Engineers. 
  
  “We wanted to create an immersive experience for the students that goes beyond traditional classroom learning. By exposing them to different universities, industries and professionals, we hope to inspire and motivate them to pursue their passions in STEM,” said Olivia Guerrero-Rish, First Year Experience Coordinator. “The campus tours and interactions with faculty provided students with a glimpse of the possibilities that await them in their future academic and professional journeys. It was a truly enriching experience for everyone involved.” 
  
  The STEMward Bound summer camp owes its success to the dedication of the program’s staff. Spearheaded by Morales, the team also includes Guerrero-Rish, and Vannesa Gutierrez Title V Activity Coordinator. Their combined efforts and commitment played a pivotal role in making the camp a resounding success. 
  
  As the STEMward Bound summer camp concluded, students returned home inspired and empowered to pursue their dreams in STEM fields. With the continued support of partner universities, including Angelo State University, Texas A&M University – Kingsville, University of Texas San Antonio and Sul Ross State University, SWTJC aims to build on the program’s success and create a brighter future for students from all walks of life. 
  
  For more information about STEMward Bound and other initiatives at SWTJC, please visit swtjc.edu.