UTEP Tech-E Program Engages Young Students

Last Updated on February 04, 2017 at 12:00 AM

Originally published February 04, 2017

By Daniel Perez

UTEP Communications

An off-the-cuff idea in 2015 to provide a weeklong technology summer camp at The University of Texas at El Paso has grown into a yearlong effort that promotes core academics, social skills, a college-bound culture – and technology.

An off-the-cuff idea in 2015 to provide a weeklong technology summer camp
An off-the-cuff idea in 2015 to provide a weeklong technology summer camp at The University of Texas at El Paso has grown into a yearlong effort that promotes core academics, social skills, a college-bound culture – and technology.

An off-the-cuff idea in 2015 to provide a weeklong technology summer camp at The University of Texas at El Paso has grown into a yearlong effort that promotes core academics, social skills, a college-bound culture – and technology.

UTEP’s Technology Exploration, or Tech-E, program recently played host to about 350 Socorro Independent School District (SISD) students from second through seventh grade. It was the most recent visit by the children who come to the University every month or so to get hands-on training in computer languages, programming, gaming and more.

SISD officials learned about the program during a campus visit in early 2016 when they saw a comparable technology-driven demonstration. Impressed officials wanted a similar experience for a new district program developed for students who face academic and economic barriers.

“We saw the kids engaged and learning,” said Alisa C. Zapata-Farmer, SISD chief academic officer. She recalled students exercising critical thinking, problem-solving and communication skills as they worked with 3-D printers. “We saw value in what was presented.” 

They approached Mike Pitcher, director of UTEP’s Academic Technologies and “father” of Tech-E, to craft a multipronged curriculum that included components to enlighten parents about college and careers, and inform teachers about technology.

The program’s progression has been dizzying for Pitcher, whose initial concept was to engage students of modest means who often cannot attend similar technology camps. He produced the initial two summer sessions on a shoestring budget dependent on co-workers’ donations, about 12 UTEP student volunteers, and everyone’s creativity. 

“It’s was a true labor of love,” Pitcher said. “That first summer was crazy, but awesome.” 

Campers used Legos, paper, cardboard, markers and Little Bits electronic kits to create robots and “smart” homes. A few iPads were available for students to make video journal entries or instructional videos. Staff used 3-D printers to create “security clearance” camp badges to reinforce learning.   

Tech-E was popular from the start. The first two summer sessions filled up with students from throughout the region with limited marketing. By the fall of 2015, families and teachers, impressed with the campers’ newfound knowledge and positive academic attitude, began requesting information for summer 2016 camps.

“UTEP promotes social mobility and that’s what we do with Tech-E,” Pitcher said. “We expose them to technology that breaks down barriers. Our students realize that they have skills that many of their peers didn’t, and that’s huge for these kids.”

SISD administrators and teachers shared how many of their Tech-E students were once quiet and shy, but have become more confident and motivated as they master aspects of technology. More students see college as an option and are interested in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) careers.

One example is Ruben Herrera, whose eyes lit up as he discussed his love of computer science and his Tech-E involvement. The Socorro Middle School seventh grader spoke enthusiastically about constructing his Raspberry Pi, a low-cost, palm-sized starter computer that can be used to control games and videos.

“I love coming here to use the technology,” Herrera said before going into a computer language session in UTEP’s Undergraduate Learning Center. He was one of the SISD students from Socorro Middle School, Mission Ridge Elementary School and Desert Wind (K-8) School at UTEP during a January 2017 Tech-E session.

Hector Reyna, SISD chief technology officer, said an important Tech-E byproduct is familiarizing young students and their families with the University and promoting a college-bound culture. He praised the Miner mentors who serve as role models and mix in stories about college life along with their technology lessons. Reyna, a first-generation college student who was a migrant farm worker in central California, said the seeds have been planted.

“(The students) know they’re capable,” said Reyna, a former Lockheed Martin technician who worked at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas.

Sarah Ponce de Leon, a junior civil engineering major and a UGLC undergraduate assistant who supports the building’s technology, was among the 27 Miner mentors who helped Jan. 13 with computer coding sessions. She said the SISD students need to understand technology because it is a big part of everyday life.

“Their capacity to understand is greater than we think,” Ponce de Leon said. “They are excited about what they can do and are determined to learn more.”

Pitcher said this year’s Tech-E program will finish with a technology competition on May 19 at UTEP. SISD officials already have expressed their desire to involve more district students during the 2017-18 academic year. He added that several other school districts have shared their interest in joining the Tech-E family.

“We have to figure out how to grow the program without losing that personal touch,” said Pitcher, who has submitted several grant requests that could finance the program’s expansion. “It’s a good problem to have.”