STEM for Success: Building Confidence, Community, and College Readiness
At Visions, we offer a variety of student programs to foster learning and engagement beyond traditional studies. These programs include student clubs, Find Your Voice, California Scholarship Federation (CSF), Mindset Academy, Bride to College, and our growing Success Through Education Mentoring (STEM) program.
During the 2024-25 school year, a group of Visions students participated in our STEM program, where they partnered with University of California, Davis undergraduates from a variety of majors to learn about the requirements and skills necessary for college and post-graduation success. Through campus tours, one-on-one time with their mentors, informational presentations, and hands-on activities, our students learned the importance of community, confidence, leadership, determination, and being goal-oriented.
“I liked this club because I found it very helpful in knowing what college looks like,” says University Prep Academy student Shefaa B. “I feel more prepared and excited for college.”
“The support all year has been a blessing,” adds University Prep student Daniel H. “Meeting with the mentors gave me an opportunity to learn what college would be like on a personal level as well as plan for what I need to do. The weekly check-ins provided were also helpful and I liked the interactive aspect.”
Finding Strength Through STEM
STEM was born out of a personal vision shaped by struggle and hardship. Founders F. Ibal and K. Avila, coming from diverse backgrounds, faced numerous challenges throughout their educational journeys. However, having mentors to guide and support them made a significant difference. That experience inspired them to create a program designed to bridge the gap between high school and the next stages of education and career.
Today, Visions students benefit from the program through increased confidence, leadership, resilience, and more, gaining lifelong skills that empower them both personally and professionally.
“The program was very interactive and fun,” shares Independent Study Academy student Yasmena H. “I loved how we all got a chance to express our opinions or talk about ourselves!”
Independent Study student Ellina H. agrees, adding, “I loved how everyone was so kind and I never felt awkward to talk on Zoom.”
Celebrating A Successful Year
At the end of the school year, our STEM students celebrated their time in the program with a banquet alongside their fellow program participants. It was the perfect opportunity to reflect on what they’d learned from this opportunity and how they hope to use these skills going forward.
“It was a great way to gain valuable information not only for college but for our future,” shares University Prep student Samuel G.
“Over the two years I have been in this club, it helped me learn more about college and become more comfortable talking and asking questions,” adds University Prep student Adrien K.
Thank you to Social Worker Sergio Fuentes for managing this program, and congratulations to our students for their hard work and dedication to their futures!
Join the Program
Interested students currently enrolled with Visions can find the form information on The Wire.
STEM is a year-long program open to high school students of all backgrounds, grades, and life situations. Participating students will not only acquire the tools needed for post-graduation success, but will gain a sense of confidence and leadership while forming lasting friendships with mentors and other Visions students.
STEM meets twice a month for workshops and activities presented by UC Davis mentors in coordination with Visions staff. While the organization is based out of UC Davis, the mentoring program is facilitated at the Visions In Education office in Gold River.