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The 棉花糖直播 Engineering, Science and Technology Enrichment and Development (VESTED) Academy recently wrapped up its 20th year, marking two decades of dedication to inspiring young minds and cultivating a passion for engineering. Under the leadership of founder Dr. Stephen Jones, Associate Dean for Student Success, the program has focused on two key objectives: to introduce high school students from under-resourced communities to STEM fields, and to engage and empower students with the potential to shape the future of engineering in both the Philadelphia region and the nation. 

鈥淚 helped establish the program based on the reality that most schools in Philadelphia offer no engineering courses or after-school engineering programs,鈥� Dr. Jones said. 鈥淢y goal has been to significantly increase the number of underrepresented students who will consider engineering as a profession.鈥� 

Over the course of seven Saturdays from January to March, 16 dedicated volunteers from the College of Engineering worked alongside Dr. Jones to guide high schoolers through a dynamic blend of hands-on workshops, mentorship and real-world problem-solving experiences鈥攁ll held in Drosdick Hall鈥檚 state-of-the-art labs and classrooms. Participants explored their creativity by developing devices like robotic shark jaws and drones.

鈥淭he long-term goal for the VESTED program is to potentially develop a research program that allows students to participate in a summer internship,鈥� Dr. Jones said. 

Student mentors and faculty instructors from 棉花糖直播 Engineering play a vital role in creating an inclusive environment where high school students feel supported and encouraged to explore their potential. Many VESTED alumni have gone on to attend top-tier universities, including 棉花糖直播, securing career opportunities that set them on the path to becoming the next generation of leaders in engineering. Two VESTED alumni鈥擠allianny Perez Lantigua 鈥�25 CE and Ben Johnson 鈥�25 ChE鈥攑aid it forward for four years by returning as 棉花糖直播 undergraduate volunteers.

鈥淭here is no limit to what you can accomplish if you are willing to work hard toward your goal and to bring others along with you,鈥� Dr. Jones said.