Alejandra Ceja, executive director of the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics (Initiative), will deliver remarks at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley's (UTRGV) Hispanic, Engineering, Science and Technology (HESTEC) Week event in Edinburg, Texas on Monday, Oct. 3 at 8 a.m. CT.
Ceja will discuss the Obama Administration's efforts in expanding STEM access to the Hispanic community and share best practices highlighting Bright Spots in Hispanic Education that are working to increase STEM participation in the Hispanic community.
Recognized recently by the Initiative as a Bright Spots in Hispanic Education, UTRGV vigorously promotes STEM education to minority students and educators throughout South Texas. HESTEC has successfully inspired and exposed tens of thousands of K-12 students, their families and the South Texas community to STEM education and careers. By bringing together STEM leaders, the event cultivates and fosters the next generation of scientists, engineers, medical and information technology professionals.
A background in science, technology, engineering, and math—subjects commonly referred to as STEM, which includes computer science—opens up many career opportunities for young people. Knowledge and skills in these critical areas are increasingly becoming necessary for success in our global, knowledge-based economy. That's why President Obama has proposed the Computer Science for All initiative, to give every student in America an early start on the skills they will need to get ahead. The President's budget this year will include $4 billion in funding for states, and $100 million directly for districts, to increase access to K-12 computer science by training teachers, expanding access to high-quality instructional materials and building effective regional partnerships.
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