2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Connecting Cultures through Computer Science: An Online International STEAM Initiative for Spanish speaking High School Students.

Presented at Pre-College Engineering Education Division (PCEE) Technical Session 19

The STEAM Global Academy was established in 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic, initiated by the STEAM Pathways program from the NAME OF INSTITUTION. This initiative provides high school students from Chicago and Latin America with informal education in computer science, utilizing the STEAM framework. Local students from Chicago are enrolled in the university's TRIO UB program, while international students receive sponsorship from local institutions or universities. All participants are Spanish speakers, and instruction is conducted in Spanish.
The primary objective of this initiative is to create a collaborative environment for adolescents from various backgrounds to engage in collective projects that tackle socially significant issues. The program features remote synchronous meetings every second Saturday for four hours, complemented by asynchronous work through a Learning Management System (LMS) on alternating weekends. When it comes to designing and implementing the prototypes for their final projects, participants from different countries establish their work protocols and complete their projects outside of regular meeting times, utilizing various communication tools.
Participant learning is concentrated on three primary domains: 1) Problem-solving utilizing microcontrollers (Arduino), 2) Developing mobile applications through MIT App Inventor, and 3) Leadership and teamwork skills. The duration of the program is one semester, generally comprising seven to eight synchronous sessions, culminating in a community presentation of final projects, where mentors and guest evaluators offer constructive feedback to the presenters. Throughout the program, participants undergo assessment via pre- and post-tests, leadership surveys, and evaluations of their projects. This paper will discuss the outcomes of the Fall 2024 cohort, focusing on the shifts in participants' comprehension of computer science and their interest in STEAM-related careers.

Authors

Mr. Marcelo Caplan http://orcid.org/https://0000-0002-9493-1652 Independent Researcher [biography]

I am a former Associate Professor in the Science and Mathematics Department at Columbia College Chicago, with over 25 years of experience promoting STEM education in communities worldwide. Beyond my teaching responsibilities, I have actively worked to expand STEM learning opportunities in underprivileged communities.

My efforts include developing and implementing various community engagement programs, such as:

1. Scientists for Tomorrow – Co-Principal Investigator (Co-PI) of this NSF-ISE-funded initiative, aimed at integrating STEM learning into Out-of-School Time programs at community centers.

2. Junior Research Scientists Program – A program funded by After School Matters to support high school students in Chicago in conducting STEM research.

3. STEAM Learning Collaboration – Partnered with CCAS-NEIU to enhance STEM learning in the Upward Bound Math & Science program.

Additionally, I co-founded and co-chair the student-led STEAM Conference and established ManifiestoSTEAM, a collaborative initiative promoting STEM education in Spanish-speaking, underprivileged communities across Latin America. I also collaborate with international organizations such as the OEA and Virtual Educa.

Currently, I am developing a blended learning strategy to bring high-quality STEM education to remote and rural communities. This initiative aims to spark students' interest in STEM subjects and careers, fostering local talent and opportunities.
Aaron Cortes

Note

The full paper will be available to logged in and registered conference attendees once the conference starts on June 22, 2025, and to all visitors after the conference ends on June 25, 2025

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