SANTA FE--More than 100 seventh- and eighth-grade girls explored college and career options in science, technology, engineering, and math during the 3rd annual GEAR UP New Mexico and STEM Santa Fe Girls STEM Pathways Conference in Albuquerque this month.
The conference, hosted by GEAR UP New Mexico and STEM Santa Fe, brought students from across the state together for interactive STEM workshops, covering topics from veterinary science and computer science to biology and robotics, and a keynote speech by Albuquerque inventor Alissa Chavez.
GEAR UP New Mexico, a division of the New Mexico Higher Education Department, is a federally funded program aiming to increase access to resources for college and career readiness for students in grades seven through 12. GEAR UP partners with middle and high schools in eight districts across New Mexico serving high proportions of rural, low-income, and first-generation students.
“Being a part of the GEAR UP NM STEM conference was such an amazing experience. It’s inspiring to see a room full of smart, creative, talented students exploring STEM,” Chavez said. “It’s so important for girls, especially minorities, to be given opportunities to explore so many different fields of study. I’m excited to see what each of these girls achieve now and in the future! The work GEAR UP NM does to inspire the next generation of innovators and leaders in STEM is so important. It was an absolute honor to work together.”
Chavez developed her first invention, Hot Seat, for a school science fair, eventually becoming the youngest Latina patent holder in the United States. Hot Seat alerts parents when their child’s car seat becoming too hot, with the goal of preventing young children’s deaths in hot cars. Her company, Assila, continues to produce the product as well as several other of her inventions.
“STEM—they're becoming the architects of their own futures, ready to innovate and lead in the dynamic landscape of the sciences and future technologies," said Chavez.
To kick off the event, students participated in an interactive college and career fair complete with hands-on activities to explore different STEM paths – from learning about native New Mexico animals with the New Mexico State Parks to bandaging a wound on a prosthetic with the nursing program at Santa Fe Community College.
"Witnessing middle-school girls captivated by interactive technology, exploring their interests and honing their skills, is truly inspiring," GEAR UP New Mexico Director Dr. Corine Frankland said. "Through hands-on workshops and mentorship from women professionals in their communities, these girls are not just learning about STEM—they're becoming the architects of their own futures, ready to innovate and lead in the dynamic landscape of the sciences and future technologies."
"It was an incredible experience to be in community with our wonderful New Mexican teachers, FOCUS Training, and the GEAR UP NM team,” STEM Santa Fe Director Rocio Gosende-Washburn said. “It was such a great opportunity to see the girls get excited about STEM and be part of the reason why they continue to pursue it! As a woman, have you heard anyone say, ‘you are intimidating?’ I have. I'd rather have people say ‘wow, you are an inspiration!’ That's what GEAR UP Pathways for Girls in STEM Conference is all about -- a place to get inspired."
Photos from the conference are available via GEAR UP New Mexico’s Facebook page and Instagram page.
For more information about GEAR UP, visit gearupnewmexico.org, or follow GEAR UP New Mexico on Facebook and Instagram.