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This summer, 138 middle school students from 75 schools across the Bronx and Westchester County got the chance to participate in the Verizon Innovative Learning STEM Achievers summer program at B��Ԫ. This free summer program, funded through Verizon Innovative Learning, empowers middle school students from under-resourced schools to build STEM and entrepreneurship skills through hands on instruction using next gen technology. It creates a more diverse pipeline for future careers in science, technology, engineering, and math. Aimed at middle school students in fifth, sixth and seventh grades, the program took place July 1, 2024 - July 19, 2024.

 “What makes this program so important is that it gives students from under resourced communities and from diverse backgrounds opportunities they would otherwise not have access to,” said Daniela Martinez, programs facilitator, B��Ԫ Center for STEM Education. “Everyone is welcome. At the end of the day, we make sure kids have the best learning experience possible.”

Verizon Innovative Learning STEM Achievers is one of Verizon’s education initiatives that help address barriers to digital inclusion under Citizen Verizon, the company’s responsible business plan to help move the world forward for all. B��Ԫ is the only NY location for this program. This is Mercy’s second year participating in this program.

“When we started this program in 2015, a huge goal for us was to ensure that every student had access to the best cutting edge STEM opportunities in the summer months,” said Dr. Brittany Chambers, senior manager, Corporate Social Responsibility for Verizon.

Throughout the three-week program, which took place at Mercy’s Bronx and Westchester campuses, students learned about coding, 3D design and printing, augmented reality, robotics, social entrepreneurship, and mentorship.

“The kids learned from simple coding to more complex coding like designing games and encrypting messages,” said Elizabeth Mojica, coding instructor. “They also learned how coding goes beyond the classroom. We visited Mercy’s nursing simulation lab where they saw first-hand how things need to be wired and coded correctly and how simple code can help nursing students learn in the simulation lab.”

Mojica was really impressed by the children and how much they learned. For their final projects and presentations, some of the students programmed robots, ring tones and one even did Morse code. “I was amazed at what the students came up with,” she added.

“The students gained important problem-solving skills, which you need for any type of technology program,” said Brittany Concannon, digital product innovations instructor. “Those skills apply for any technology programs, whether they are laser-cutting, 3D printing or coding.”

The students also got the chance to visit Five Island Park in New Rochelle to observe an underwater rover and engage in environmental activities, and they got to hear from Verizon guest speakers about career pathways in STEM.

For more information on the Verizon Innovative Learning STEM Achievers Program, visit /academics/center-stem-education/center-stem-education-news.

Read latest article about the program in the Hudson Independent here