Girls must complete the application available online at https://bit.ly/ConvocatoriaSemillas22 on or before June 9, 2022.

San Juan - The nonprofit organization Ciencia Puerto Rico (CienciaPR) invites girls in grades seven through nine interested in pursuing STEM disciplines (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) and impacting their communities to apply to the Seeds of Success educational program for the 2022-2023 academic year. The Program, which is free of charge, offers students from public and private schools and homeschoolers in Puerto Rico, an educational curriculum called: From Seed of Success to STEM Ambassador. This curriculum provides the opportunity to explore STEM careers in depth, meet university leaders and professionals in these disciplines and exercise leadership through the development of science communication projects in their schools and/or communities.

The program will run from August through May of the 2022-2023 school year, with virtual and face-to-face activities (if permitted). The young women, who will receive a welcome packet with all the necessary materials, will participate in various workshops, including leadership, science experiments and computer workshops. They will also be able to visit research laboratories or industrial facilities. 

Very importantly, the young women will be able to meet great women in STEM and role models residing in and outside of Puerto Rico through face-to-face activities, the Juntas Podemos online lecture series, and the Virtual Collection of Latinas in STEM. This Collection includes, among other women, the Program's participating mentors, who will be in charge of a girl assigned for individual and group mentoring. 

"In "Seeds of Success", we have an exceptional and very dedicated talent pool of volunteer mentors from all STEM disciplines, who contribute to leave a mark on the girls through the support they provide to successfully complete the Program," said Dr. Liz Hernandez, Program Coordinator. 

To foster the development of leadership skills and service to their communities, the girls must carry out a science communication project that impacts more people, especially other girls. Upon completion of this requirement, the girls will become part of a select group of STEM Ambassadors, who to date have reached nearly 44,000 people throughout Puerto Rico with their projects. 

Dr. Greetchen Díaz, director of the Science Education and Community Partnerships Program of Ciencia Puerto Rico, explained that, "Seeds of Success is a unique initiative in Puerto Rico, which through the experiences it provides to the girls, teaches them the value of science in the service of society and their value as agents of change and future scientific leaders". 

Girls interested in participating in the "Seeds of Success" Program, must go through an application process consisting of two parts: (1) complete the application form available online on or before June 9, 2022 and (2) attend one of the 3 online orientation sessions during the week of June 13-17. A total of 120 students residing in Puerto Rico will be selected, however, all young women who apply to the Program will have the opportunity to have access to complementary activities such as events, workshops, webinars, digital resources and a newsletter.

The Seeds of Success Program has a Coalition of Partners from all sectors, both local and from the United States. For more information about the Seeds of Success Program, please contact semillas.triunfo@cienciapr.org and visit www.cienciapr.org.

About Ciencia Puerto Rico

Ciencia Puerto Rico (CienciaPR, www.cienciapr.org) is a global community of more than 13,000 scientists, students, educators and allies who believe that science can empower people with the knowledge, capacity and agency to improve their lives and society. The organization leverages this rich and diverse community to democratize science, and transform science education and professional training. Since 2006, CienciaPR has successfully engaged and trained scientists, students, and educators, and created culturally relevant educational resources and experiences that improve students' attitudes and interests toward science and self-confidence in their scientific abilities. CienciaPR's efforts over the past decade have garnered multiple accolades, including being named a "Bright Spot" for Hispanic education by the White House in 2015.