2025 STEM Summer Program: Wrap-up

Written/Images by Alessandro Villarreal

The 2025 STEM program concluded its summer session after running from July 7 to August 7. Organized by STEM Success Coaches Russel Gambino and Kathleen Vancheri, the program provided students with a comprehensive introduction to college life. Through a blend of math classes, workshops, campus tours, and field trips to locations like the Great Swamp and Sandy Hook, the STEM program aimed to equip students with the skills and connections needed to succeed in higher education.

Campus Tour

A key part of the program was getting students comfortable with the PCCC campus and its resources. Guided tours led students through various departments vital for student support. Stops included the Wellness Center, Testing Center, Panthers Den, Bursar's Office, Enrollment Services, Career Services, and the Wellness Center & Pantry. These tours gave students a firsthand look at the services available to help them navigate their college journey.

Workshops on Mentorship and Wellbeing

The program incorporated workshops focused on personal and academic growth, held in the STEM Makerspace. Dr. Susan Weinberger led a virtual Mentor Workshop specifically for the program mentors, providing guidance and recommendations on how to be effective in supporting their peers, particularly focusing on students from diverse backgrounds. Additionally, the Wellness Center hosted crucial sessions dedicated to mental wellbeing for both mentors and students. These covered mental health awareness, managing long-term stress through techniques like mindfulness and setting boundaries, and preventing burnout via lifestyle and time management. Participants also learned about specific resources offered by the Wellness Center, Student Affairs, and the Accessibility Center.

HISPA Leadership Development

In collaboration with corporate partners like Pfizer and Verizon, HISPA (Hispanics Inspiring Students' Performance and Achievement) conducted two intensive leadership workshops on July 10 and 17. Led by HISPA Founder/CEO Dr. Ivonne Diaz-Claisse and Talent Development Director Rod Colon, these sessions aimed to build students' confidence and prepare them for college and careers. The curriculum covered essential professional skills such as personal branding (including creating LinkedIn profiles), public speaking (like practicing an elevator pitch), networking strategies, emotional intelligence, and interview/resume preparation. Engaging team-building activities, like constructing card towers, were paired with keynote speeches and panel discussions featuring professionals from various STEM fields, providing valuable real-world insights.

Overall, the STEM program provided a robust summer experience, successfully blending academic preparation with practical knowledge about college resources and valuable workshops focused on leadership, mentorship, and student well-being.

For more information about future STEM programs and resources, head to the STEM Office in E210 any weekday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. or email STEM Success Coaches Russel Gambino at rrgambino@pccc.edu and Kathleen Vancheri at knvancheri@pccc.edu.