Equity and local educational resources have propelled Marquette University freshman Diana Ruiz, 19, to pursue her interest in science, technology, engineering and math field, in which people of color are underrepresented.
education. It can be discouraging seeing the lack of Hispanic women in STEM fields. However, I use this as motivation to inspire others. For example, I participate in Women and Youth Supporting Each Other, a mentorship program that
addresses issues in communities of color and seeks to provide resources to girls in order for them to make informed decisions. Issues we discuss include race, mental health, future options, etc. I used to be one of these girls in
the program when I was in middle school. Now I am at Marquette studying computer and electrical engineering. This was possible because programs like WYSE and resources at UCC exist.
United Community Center introduced Project Lead the Way, a preengineering problem-based curriculum, in 2002 as a way to provide Bruce Guadalupe Middle School students with a foundation in technology and expose them to engineering concepts.
Spring 2017 GREATER together
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