Update: In partnership with the University of Texas at El Paso we will be having technical workshops this Saturday. The workshops will cover Innovation, Engineering, Commercialization, Research and Elevator Pitches. Details below:
STEM Challenge 3 Workshops February 4th From 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM Downtown Norman Haley Employment Center 300 E. Main, El Paso, TX 79901 Please respond attendance by Thursday 5:00 PM MST to
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Business Plan Deadline is moved to February 20th, 11:59 PM MST
Workforce Solutions Upper Rio Grande and regional strategic STEM partners will again partner for STEM Challlenge3. The contest provides real world opportunity for high school teams to create their own innovative ideas in a business plan approach to target a STEM category through the implementation of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. “The STEM Challenge is one example of how we can better prepare our youth and have an impact on their future,” said Workforce Solutions Upper Rio Grande CEO Lorenzo Reyes, Jr. “This initiative strategically partners key stakeholders in STEM and offers youth an invaluable experience. Now in its third year, this competition is proving to be a valuable opportunity for regional high school youth,” he added.
The unique competition has gained attention at the state level as it was featured as a STEM best practice during a Texas Workforce Commission Forum in Austin, in August. Members from three STEM Challenge Teams traveled to Austin. They included STEM Challenge2 first place winners Grey Water Solutions from Valle Verde Early College; STEM Challenge2 best presentation winners Presidio Rocketry and Robotics Inc.; and STEM Challenge third place winners Traction Jack Co., LLC. The Traction Jack is now on the cusp of production. The device helps vehicles after becoming stuck in sand or snow, eliminating the need for a tow truck or another vehicle. Also pursuing their idea is the Presidio rocketry team. They’ve conducted research for NASA and continue toward their development of hybrid grass and seeds using cell infusion and rocketry.
As in previous years, participating STEM Challenge teams will receive coaching during different phases of the competition and will compete for cash and prizes. The first workshop, focused on innovation and sponsored by Innovate El Paso, is scheduled for October 15th; letters of intent are due December 5th; business plans are due February 1st; and, STEM Challenge3 is scheduled for March 9 and 10, 2012.
TWC Chairman Tom Pauken, Board Chair Tracy Bristol, TWC Commissioner Andres Alcantar and CEO Lorenzo Reyes, Jr.
BREAKING BARRIERS PROGRAM RECOGNIZED BY STATE FOR SERVICE TO WORKERS
Workforce Solutions Upper Rio Grande received an award from the Texas Workforce Commission Wednesday afternoon during the 15th Annual Texas Workforce Conference in Houston for its Breaking Barriers program. The summer program for youth with disabilities was recognized in the Service to Workers category and results in a $25,000 check for the workforce board.
“We are extremely grateful Breaking Barriers was recognized by the Texas Workforce Commission,” said Workforce Solutions Upper Rio Grande CEO Lorenzo Reyes, Jr. “We first started this program in 2008 in collaboration with the Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) and Volar Center for Independent Living (CIL) and together have worked to grow this invaluable initiative. It has made a difference for youth who gain their first work experience and employers who gain an awareness of working with someone with a disability and often times, a permanent employee. It has been truly rewarding.”
As part of the partnership, Workforce Solutions subsidizes youth’s wages and assists with job placement and additional case management; DARS and Volar CIL assist with referals, job coaching and case management. Volar CIL Executive Director and Workforce Solutions Upper Rio Grande Board Member Luis Enrique Chew couldn’t sustain himself when he heard the news. “I am very proud that our Board leads the way in serving the disability community. We were the first in the state to start a Disability Subcommittee and now are the recipients of this prestigious recognition for the Breaking Barriers summer youth employment program.”
More than 200 youth and 100 employers have participated in the programs four year existence. “Breaking Barriers is a powerful example of what can be achieved through Community Partnerships,” said Bobby Alcala, Area Manager for the Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services, Division for Rehabilitation Services. “As a result of the collaboration, students with disabilities in El Paso have benefitted with paid work experiences that have introduced them to the world of work and to the various career paths available for them in our community,” said David Zarazua, Field Director, Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services, Division for Blind Services.
The “Breaking Barriers” Youth Program is funded through the Workforce Investment Act.
