Society of Latino Engineers & Scientists

On February 23, nine Wa-Hi students and their parents attended the SOLES – Society of Latino Engineers and Scientists – Latino Parent Conference at WSU Pullman. This event was funded by a STEM studies grant received by Walla Walla School District’s Career and Technical Education Department.

The conference provided information, entirely in Spanish, to parents of students who are interested in pursuing STEM studies after high school. Speakers and current students shared information on the value of STEM studies and careers. Attendees participated in question and answer sessions regarding admissions, financial aid/scholarships and housing. Parents and students alike, experienced WSU’s resources that specifically support Latino/a students in making their college education a reality.

A very meaningful experience that two out of our nine students had, was attending the WAFSA breakout session, where they learned about the possibilities and resources available to them as undocumented students. Parents and students braved the cold and participated in campus tours of the Departments of Engineering and Computer Sciences, Health Sciences and Agriculture, Human and Natural Resource Sciences labs and greenhouse. There was even a little time to shop in the Bookie. The CTE Department plans to partner again with SOLES to take even more Latino parents and high school students to this event next year. Any questions regarding the conference may be directed to the trip chaperones, Marilyn Melgoza, WWSD Latino Outreach Program or Claircy Clizer, CTE Career Outreach Coordinator.