Upward Bound Math and Science Recognizes Students, Local Educators

Students in Moreno Valley College’s Upward Bound Math and Science (UBMS) Program on July 31 got to share with their families, local educators, community members and elected officials what they’ve been working on all summer when the group gathered at Vista del Lago High School (VdLHS) to celebrate the conclusion to the program’s first Summer Institute. Sixty VdLHS students of all grade levels welcomed a group of over 200, comprised of family members, community members, local educators and elected officials, to share their Summer Institute highlights and what they did to “Stem ‘U’ Late their Minds” this summer. Visitors were greeted by program students exhibiting the work they have done this year, including research on colleges and STEM-related careers, their mock corporations, and highlights from the Summer Institute, which included water-bottle rockets and air boats. To focus on SWOT (Strength, Weakness, Opportunity and Threat) philosophy, students were grouped together to create mock corporations and then designate a CEO, COO, CFO and a Marketing Officer to develop a company brand, marketing strategy and mission statement, which they tracked on both PowerPoint and presentation boards. Both program students and various teachers and industry professionals were recognized that evening for their work to promote skills in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), noted UBMS Program Director Micki Poole Clowney. These individuals served as program instructors throughout the summer, and included VdLHS science teacher Dave Susuras, Riverside’s Martin Luther King High School math teacher Kaitlin Giacalone, medical student Kavida Darji (providing instruction in composition and literature), and Moreno Valley College’s Kenisha Puckett teaching science. These instructors, along with guest lecturers like Dr. Frank Sheridan, Chief Medical Officer with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department Coroner’s Division; Dr. Victor Rodgers, Bioengineering Chair, University of California, Riverside; Diane Marsh, Chemistry educator, Moreno Valley College; and Chris Nolette of Riverside City College were honored. Dr. Sandra Mayo, President of MVC, was the keynote speaker, and VdLHS incoming junior Jesse Acevedo gave the student address. Other dignitaries in attendance during the symposium dinner included Moreno Valley Unified School District (MVUSD) Superintendent of Schools Dr. Judy White, MVUSD Board Member Jesus Holguin, and Moreno Valley City Council Member Victoria Baca. Some students were also given certificates by Moreno Valley Mayor Tom Owings. “One thing we’re doing is exposing students, many of whom are the first in their families to pursue a college education, to opportunities that many did not know were available to them,” said Clowney. “We’re also providing them with the opportunity to learn in a hands-on environment. They’re actually getting to work with industry professionals and practice these skills rather than reading out of a book.” Throughout the month of July, program participants worked closely with MVC faculty, industry professionals and other community partners to extend knowledge in core principals of math, science and literature. Student development workshops additionally focused on financial literacy, college preparation, test-taking and career planning. Friday visits to locations like the Ocean Institute and the Columbia Memorial Space Museum provided unique field experiences to the students as well, where they learned about botany, life sciences, plant pathology, and ecosystems. The UBMS program is funded by a grant from the US Department of Education, designated to further student success in high school, strengthen math and science skills, and prepare for college and STEM-related careers.