This summer, the Institute for Latino Studies partnered with South Bend Community School Corporation to provide engaging STEM learning opportunities for Latino students participating in the Migrant and English Learner Summer Program. Each summer, ILS fosters partnerships with over 25 organizations, agencies, and schools that serve Latino populations in South Bend, El Paso, New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. These partners provide mentorship in exchange for a summer service learning volunteer from the Latino studies academic community. Students help these organizations achieve their mission while learning about the fastest growing population in the United States and in the Catholic Church.
Through the partnership, Notre Dame engineering students Nico Castillo ’27 and Mario Carmona ’29 served as STEM tutors at two program sites. Castillo worked with students at Lincoln Elementary School, while Carmona supported students at the Migrant Regional Services Camp hosted at Saint Mary’s College. Throughout the summer, students participated in technology-based lessons involving Tinkercad, block coding, robotics, and other hands-on STEM activities.
Using Tinkercad, students explored the basics of three-dimensional design by creating digital objects, including personalized name tags. They learned how to combine shapes, adjust dimensions, and transform their ideas into models that could later be 3D printed. Although it took time for some students to become comfortable with the program, their confidence and creativity grew as they discovered what they could design.
Students also learned about coding and robotics through activities that allowed them to experiment, solve problems, and work together. During a World Cup-themed lesson, they programmed and controlled RVR robots to play soccer. The activity quickly became a favorite among both students and teachers.
“I loved being able to share a part of my passion for engineering, especially in a way that was both educational and genuinely fun,” Castillo reflected. “Honestly, I had just as much fun playing with all the engineering tools as the kids did.”
For Castillo, the program provided an opportunity to introduce younger Latino students to skills and technology he uses in his own engineering work. More importantly, it allowed him to share his interest in engineering in a way that was both educational and enjoyable.
As a STEM major, this was the first Latino studies course Castillo took while at ND. Castillo quickly discovered that dozens of his engineering peers had already added Latino studies as a minor. Dr. Karen Richman, Director of Undergraduate studies said, “In fact, our academic program has over 120 students enrolled primarily in the College of Arts and Letters, but we are growing in popularity with engineering and pre-health and professional majors. There is something for every type of student at ILS and students can meet with me to see what they can fit in during their career at Our Lady’s University.”
Through the collaboration between ILS and SBCSC, students experienced STEM as more than a classroom subject. Each project encouraged them to explore their ideas, learn from mistakes, and recognize their own ability to create and solve problems. Just as importantly, Latino students had the opportunity to learn alongside mentors who shared aspects of their cultural background and encouraged them to imagine themselves pursuing similar opportunities.
The summer opportunities offered to all undergraduates, with priority for Latino studies minors, will be posted by November 1 for the next application round due Dec. 1, right before the holidays.