The Valley Chronicle - Mt. San Jacinto College Hosts 31st Annual AAUW STEM Conference for 8th-Grade Girls at New State-of-the-Art STEM Building

San Jacinto, CA – January 13, 2025—Mt. San Jacinto College (MSJC) welcomed over 80 enthusiastic 8th-grade girls from the Banning Unified School District and Hemet Unified School District to its San Jacinto Campus on January 9, 2025, for the 31st annual American Association of University Women (AAUW) STEM Conference. The event, held in the newly dedicated STEM building, was a day of inspiration and exploration, giving students a firsthand look at the exciting possibilities of a future in science, technology, engineering, and math.

For many students, it was their first time stepping onto a college campus. Their day began with a warm welcome in the campus theater from Dr. Heather Abushanab, president of AAUW Redlands and physicist. She encouraged the girls to envision the futures they could create. “You can succeed despite adversity,” she said, setting the theme for the event.

MSJC’s Vice President of Student Services, Rebecca Teague, a former Hemet middle school student herself, reminded the students of the resources available to them. “This building was developed with you in mind,” Teague said. “We are here to prepare you for your journey ahead, whether through dual enrollment or other programs that help you get ahead with your dreams. You are important to the future, and we need strong, bright, and independent women to lead us forward.”

The keynote address by award-winning author and education advocate Erica Alfaro, best known for her book Harvesting Dreams, captivated the audience. Alfaro shared her powerful story as the daughter of migrant farmworkers who overcame significant obstacles to achieve her educational goals. “It took me six years to complete my bachelor’s degree, but every step was worth it,” Alfaro said. “There are no limits if you believe in yourself. Remember, 80% of your conversations are with yourself, so make sure to be your own best friend.”

The conference included engaging workshops led by women professionals in STEM fields, who volunteered their time on a workday because of their commitment to young women’s futures and the mission of the AAUW members who organized and carried out the conference. Workshops included animatronic prototyping, forensic science, physics, and financial literacy for women, with hands-on activities designed to inspire curiosity and confidence in students who may have never considered careers in these fields.

Pam Ford, a retired MSJC anthropology professor and one of the event organizers, emphasized the importance of introducing young girls to women thriving in STEM professions. “This event is a labor of love—not just through the heart, but also through the mind,” Ford said. “We want these girls to see that education can make the impossible possible.” She added, “We couldn’t do it without the support of MSJC staff, especially Beth Bowles, MSJC’s Outreach Specialist.”

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Thanks to the generosity of sponsors, including the Morongo Band of Mission Indians, Sun Lakes Country Club Charitable Trust Board, Laura May Stewart Foundation, Sorenson Engineering, and Suzanne Cranston, the girls also enjoyed a delicious and nourishing lunch during their day of exploration.

The conference concluded with smiles, laughter, and newfound aspirations. One 8th grader from Hemet summarized the day: “I didn’t know so many women did such amazing things in science. It made me feel like I could do it, too.”

Students’ comments on the event evaluation echoed the impact of the day:

“You can do anything if you work hard.”

“I learned that striving to do the things you want to do will get you places in life.”

“I can do anything no matter who I am and where I come from.”

“I learned that we as girls need to dream big, and if we set our hearts to it we can do it.”

“Be confident and have fun doing it and be kind.”

“I learned that I matter, and I shouldn’t give up.”

“How all these women made me believe everything is possible.”

“I would love to come to this college!”

“The keynote speaker was awesome. I enjoyed it very much and got emotional at some point. I started feeling confident and felt like everything is possible if you never give up and work hard.”

MSJC and the AAUW look forward to continuing their partnership to foster the next generation of women leaders in STEM.