A "Ciencia en Tus Manos" Initiative
A "Ciencia en Tus Manos" Initiative
CETM SUMMER CAMP
CETM Summer Camp is a specialized summer program designed to provide advanced training and education to high school students in the fields of molecular biology, microbiology, and neuroscience. The camp aims to ignite interest in STEM disciplines by offering hands-on laboratory experiences and real-world applications. It serves as an immersive opportunity for students to gain exposure to cutting-edge scientific techniques and research, fostering a deeper understanding and passion for science careers. Through expert-led instruction and engaging activities, CETM Summer Camp prepares students to pursue further education and careers in STEM fields, promoting both scientific curiosity and academic growth.
My role and impact
As Co-founder of the Ciencia en Tus Manos (CETM) Summer Camp, I co-led the development and execution of this STEM outreach initiative aimed at high school students in southern Puerto Rico. I managed key milestones, set measurable outcomes, and played a pivotal role in securing sponsorships to ensure the camp's success. I designed and instructed microscopy and microbiology sessions, providing hands-on lab experiences that led to a 92.9% increase in students’ motivation to pursue STEM careers. Additionally, I fostered partnerships with organizations like Ponce Health Science University (PHSU) and corporate sponsors, securing funding and engaging the PHSU Graduate Student Association of Sciences as external evaluators and volunteers. Beyond curriculum development, I co-designed the camp’s social media marketing strategy, enhancing outreach and engagement through pre-event promotions and post-event impact videos. I also managed the admission process and coordinated student engagement efforts. As the first-ever CETM Summer Camp, the program was successfully launched with strong institutional and corporate support, ensuring its sustainability. By providing hands-on learning experiences and industry exposure, the camp significantly increased student interest in STEM fields while strengthening ties between CETM and the local academic and corporate communities.