College students are sharing their love of science, technology, engineering and math with kids of all ages through AACC’s STEM Ambassador program.

In the fall semester, 13 students served as STEM ambassadors. Nathan Ho, a first-year cybersecurity major, said he will use his time as an ambassador to “spread the excitement of science and technologies to others, and draw the youth into choosing a STEM career.”

According to José Luis Barata, coordinator of STEM at AACC’s School of Science and Technology, the goal of the program is to give STEM students an opportunity for community outreach to benefit their career development.

STEM ambassadors receive a stipend of $250 per full term if they attend all meetings and trainings and provide at least four hours of service per month. This includes judging science fairs at elementary schools, doing science and technology lab demos at high schools, conducting STEM nights at middle schools and collaborating with experts in the STEM industry.

The STEM service projects have an “immeasurable impact … on the next generation,”  Barata said.

“Imagine the power of a female engineering student talking to a 9 year old, or a 12 year old, [about a career in science], and saying, ‘You can do it, too.’”

This semester, the STEM ambassador program held an open house and participated in AACC’s Science Night.

In order to become an ambassador, students must be academically driven and have an interest in community service.