Mosi Program Inspires Hispanic Youth To Dream Bigger

Sept. 18, 2008 - PRLog -- For over 10 years, MOSI’s YES! (Youth Enriched by Science) Team program has been quietly helping Hispanic middle and high school students beat the odds and pursue professional careers in science, math and technology.

Established in 1992, the program provides students with the tools needed to improve their critical-thinking and problem-solving and team-building skills and establish a good work ethic.  MOSI’s Education staff serves as mentors as well as trains young participants in museum operations, public speaking, science education and science demonstrations.  The program not only provides students with the professional training needed to succeed in a career but builds self-confidence, self-esteem and communication skills. Over 120 youth from age 13 to 17 have joined the Team since its inception.  Eighty percent of program participants are Hispanic, many from countries in South and Central America. Ninety percent of program participants have furthered their education by enrolling in colleges and universities.

Upon entering the program, students are required to pick a science concentration and then create a demonstration. Concentrations can range anywhere from earth science, geology, biology, chemistry, astronomy to meteorology and paleontology. Students are then hired as part-time staff to perform science demonstrations and enhance the MOSI guest experience.

“What I enjoy most about the YES! Team is watching its members grow and knowing that the program has helped them develop into young adults,” says Vivian Santiago, a former YES! Team member who now oversees the program as MOSI’s Youth Programs Coordinator.

Vivian joined the YES! Team program as a shy 14-year-old in 1998. After a visit to MOSI’s BioWorks Butterfly Garden with a YES! Team mentor, a quiet Vivian was able to gain confidence and learn how to perform various science demonstrations for museum guests. Ten years later Vivian oversees a team of 12 students where she arranges 20-30 science demonstrations performed by YES! Team members, as well as team-building exercises and field expeditions.  She said students often enter the program nervous but soon after are comfortable enough to speak in front of a group.

Andrea Macias, a 15-year-old Leto High School sophomore from Ecuador, came out of her shell once she found a science activity that appealed to her. Recently, she created a demonstration showing the affects of smoking on healthy lungs.  During an exercise at the USF Ropes Course for Team Building, Andrea embraced working within a team and even provided encouragement for other members during the course. She plans on attending a state university to pursue a career in the medical field.

Jose Cotayo entered the program as a very timid, yet inquisitive 13-year-old from Venezuela.  He now serves as a MOSI greeter and performs demonstrations in space and paleontology. He wants to pursue a career in physical science, paleontology and astronomy.  “I want to attend a university with a good science program,” says Jose.

The YES! Team program is primarily supported through fundraising events, grants and private donations.  Proceeds help fund part-time salaries for YES! Team members, provide custom-made T-shirts for each member, and allows for field trips throughout the year.

Each year during Hispanic Heritage Month, MOSI raises funds to benefit the program through the National Hispanic Scientist of the Year Award.  For eight years, MOSI has recognized Hispanic professionals who promote a greater public understanding of science and motivate an interest in science as a career field. Past honorees include a former U.S. Surgeon General, a NASA astronaut, and a Harvard professor of pathology.

On Saturday, October 11, 2008, at 7 p.m., MOSI will host a Gala ceremony to honor a renowned molecular biologist and founding member of the Society for the Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS), Dr. Lydia Villa-Komaroff, as National Hispanic Scientist of the Year.  During the Gala ceremony, a YES! Team member will speak about his or her experience in the program.

If you would like more information about the YES! Team or the National Hispanic Scientist of the Year Award, please call (813) 987-6077.

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MOSI is a not-for-profit, community-based institution and educational resource dedicated to advancing public interest, knowledge, and understanding of science, industry, and technology. With a total size of over 400,000 square feet, MOSI is the largest science center in the southeastern United States, and home to the only IMAX® Dome Theatre in the state of Florida. Kids In Charge! The Children’s Science Center at MOSI is the largest children’s science center in the nation. Disasterville, featuring WeatherQuest, combines education and 10,000 square feet of interactive exhibits on the science behind natural disasters. MOSI’s newest permanent exhibition, The Amazing You, explores the intricate world of the beginning of life, childhood, and adolescence developmental life stages. For more information, visit www.mosi.org.