Empowering Future Innovators
August 27, 2024
El Hogar’s STEAM Education Journey and Global Opportunities
El Hogar has been actively exploring ways to integrate STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math) education into its curriculum to better prepare its students for an ever-evolving world. With the support of a major donor with a strong commitment to this initiative, and partnerships with several Episcopal churches and local organizations, a pilot program was launched early this year. Executive Director Denise Vargas connected with Ana Cardona, the founder of Spark STEAM in a Box, an organization based in Honduras, to partner in their shared goal of spurring creativity and innovation in youth through science and technology. Ms. Ana brought their STEAM program to El Hogar’s 11th and 12th graders, with the intention that they would later share the program with younger students at the Technical Institute. Supported by Profe Heyser, the three-week program took place on Saturday mornings.
Deeply impressed by the students’ abilities, character, and the El Hogar program, Ms. Ana – who also leads a team representing Honduras in the FIRST Global Challenge, an Olympics-style international Robotics competition – extended an invitation to two of El Hogar’s students to join the five-member team competing in the FIRST Global Challenge this year… in Greece! Twelfth graders Angie and Henry were selected by Ms. Ana and her team and will participate in a 15-week training program leading up to the competition at the end of September. Certainly, this life-changing opportunity has brought incredible excitement and hope to the whole community! Although only two students will travel, Ms. Ana has encouraged other El Hogar students who are still interested in the program to participate with the training. Updates on the program’s progress and impact will be shared through El Hogar’s social media.
For two students from El Hogar, being invited to join Team Honduras and represent their country in a global robotics competition is a transformative opportunity. It not only highlights their exceptional talent and hard work but also breaks down barriers, showing that potential and determination can transcend economic and social limitations. This experience empowers them to dream bigger, serves as an inspiration to their peers, and reinforces the belief that with the right support and opportunities, they can achieve greatness on an international stage.
Surrounded by their peers, Angie and Henry receive the news of a lifetime!
