Drive-in movie raises funds for local STEM program
Event gives Roberts Academy students glimpse into college opportunities
The University of Cincinnati Society of Multicultural Engineering Students hosted a drive-in movie night to raise money for the STEM program at local school Roberts Academy.
"Big Hero 6" wasn’t the only movie playing at the Hollywood Drive-In Theatre that night.
Prior to the main feature, the society played a video it made to encourage young people to explore science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), showing what being a college student can look like and inspiring students to pursue higher education.
The video highlighted the support and opportunities available for students in the UC College of Engineering and Applied Science and featured members’ stories about exploring their own career pathways in STEM through UC’s cooperative education (co-op) program.
Civil engineering student Ambar Alvarez-Garcia funded her recent research co-op in seismic technology with a scholarship through the Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation, a program that the society had recommended to her.
“They are the reason I am able to have this opportunity for my research co-op,” said Alvarez-Garcia, lead organizer for the fundraiser.
A new student organization at the UC, the society is comprised of members from the UC chapters of the Society for Hispanic Professional Engingeers, the National Society for Black Engineers and the Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers.
The organizations share many common goals, including the empowerment of underrepresented minority students, improving representation of and support for people of color in STEM fields, giving back to the community, and inspiring young generations to attend college.
“We formed this group to help all our affinity organizations work collaboratively and have a safe space,” said Whitney Gaskins, PhD, assistant dean of the college's Office of Inclusive Excellence and Community Engagement.
The event was open to the public.
Shaping Tomorrow Through CPS Strong
The University of Cincinnati partners with Cincinnati Public Schools to engage and empower Cincinnati Public School students and positively impact the future of our university and our city. Next Lives Here.
The College of Engineering and Applied Science offers a wide variety of opportunities to engage with local students and the community, through student organizations, national associations & professional groups and honor societies.
Read more student co-op stories.
Image featured at top: cars at a drive in movie. Photo/Vinicius Bacarin/Shutterstock.
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