The Church of the City in Connecticut is hosting a special event this weekend to inspire Hispanic students to pursue careers in STEM fields. The event is part of the Hispanic Access Foundation’s Pathways to Science program, which aims to increase the representation of Hispanic professionals in STEM industries. Currently, only 8% of STEM workers identify as Latino or Hispanic, despite making up 17% of the total workforce.
Benji Suprice, the pastor for children and youth at the church, emphasized the importance of representation in breaking down barriers for students. Dr. Carlos Salazar, an internal medicine resident, will be the guest speaker at the event, focusing on his career journey and passion for medicine, particularly hypertension.
The event, scheduled for 6 p.m. on Sunday at the Church of the City in New London, aims to provide students with valuable insights and encouragement to pursue careers in STEM. These discussions are held monthly during the school year, with plans to continue and expand the program in the future.
Feedback from students and parents has been overwhelmingly positive, with suggestions to include professionals from other science fields like engineering in future events. The church is committed to supporting and empowering Hispanic students to excel in STEM fields and provide them with the necessary resources and guidance to succeed.