Bothell AT&T employees offer training, guidance to Latino students

February 28, 2017 1:30 am
Bothell AT&T employees showed local Latino students abut careers opporunities in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) on Feb. 23. Contributed photo
Bothell AT&T employees showed local Latino students abut careers opporunities in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) on Feb. 23. Contributed photo

An AT&T Employee Resource Group in Bothell called HACEMOS is helping Latino students see career possibilities. The 19th Annual National High Technology Day offered students a look at the possibilities in education and careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) on Feb. 23 at the AT&T offices in Bothell.

More than 3,000 high school students came together in 35 different cities. There was also two events in Mexico. The day included discussion, mentorship, tours of AT&T tech facilities and workshops.

HACEMOS has joined forces with Hispanics Inspiring Students’ Performance and Achievement (HISPA), technical staffing firm Kelly Mitchell, and AT&T Aspire. They gave students hands-on experiences that offer a glimpse into the opportunities STEM offers.

Students also learned about Connected Cars and had a tour of AT&T Labs. AT&T Labs employs 1,300 scientists and engineers who are bringing the next wave of big ideas in STEM from the idea to reality.

“The hardest part of entering a career in STEM is identifying your options,” said Emely Villeda-Principe, a recipient of the HACEMOS scholarship and 2015 High Tech Day Volunteer. “Everyone always told me I was good at math and science so I should be a doctor. I wasn’t interested in medicine. I’m glad I kept looking for other opportunities. I found something that was right for me. That’s why it is so important for students to explore their interests.”

According to a 2015 report by Excelencia in Education, the number of Latinos in STEM has increased in recent years. But, Latinos still make up a very small percentage of STEM professionals.

“We are committed to improving the quality of life in Hispanic communities. This includes bridging the gap when it comes to education and access,” HACEMOS National President Cinthya Allen said.

More than 22,000 students have taken part in the event since the first National High Tech Day in 1998.

“Our theme this year was ‘STEM to the Future/STEM para el Futuro.’ We strongly believe educating our youth now will help them plan for their future,” said Dawn Cordero, associate director, Global Command Operations, AT&T and 2017 National High Tech Day Director. “Exposure will help them understand the benefit of finishing high school and pursuing a career in technology.”

HACEMOS is a leading Latino employee group at AT&T. The ERG first launched in 1998 in San Antonio, Texas. HACEMOS currently has more than 11,000 employee members in the U.S.