Great Minds in STEM

3900 WHITESIDE STREET LOS ANGELES, CA 90063
PHONE: 323-262-0997 | FAX: 323-262-0946

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Viva Technology™ is a Great Minds in STEM™ Program

HISTORY

GREAT Minds in STEM™, previously known as HENAAC, started in 1989 with an annual conference which had a pre-college component. While the pre-college program remained a key aspect of HENAAC annual conference, GREAT Minds in STEM™ planned the development of a new K-12 program that could be offered during the academic year.

The Viva Technology™ Program launched a pilot at Manual Arts High School in South Los Angeles on December 13, 2001. In 2002, GREAT Minds in STEM™ began applying for various foundation grants. The first Viva Technology™ Programs were funded by the Motorola Foundation, bp, and State Farm and quickly followed by NASA, Shell Oil, Lucent, IBM and Chevron, among others.

Viva Technology™ Program has grown to have a national presence, conducting programs in 17 states including the District of Columbia and positively influencing the lives of over 63,000 students, parents and teachers in the promotion of Science Technology Engineering and Math Careers and Higher Education.

Student Segment Programs

Part One, Parent Involvement Night:

The Parent Involvement Night is an orientation for parents held the week of Viva Technology™ Day, and is designed to explain to parents what their children will learn from participating in the program; why encouraging interest in math and science will positively impact their children's future; and what career opportunities lie ahead for their children in STEM. The session can be presented in both English and Spanish.

Part Two, Viva Technology™ Student Day:

On Viva Technology™ Day, students experience a hands-on day filled with competitive and educational exercises posed to them throughout the day. Students work in teams led by engineering and science college students (College Captains) from the surrounding areas. Students will hear a presentation from technology professionals from sponsoring or participating organizations. Active participation gives the students opportunities to accrue Viva Dollars™ and win educational prizes at the end of the day. The grand prize at each Viva Technology™ Student Day is a Laptop Computer!

Part Three, Teacher Orientation: (Optional)

The Teacher Orientation is meant to familiarize teachers with the goals and mission of the Viva Technology™ Program and share the current state of the U.S. technical workforce. Teachers also receive additional sample materials and kits of activities that can be replicated in the classroom.

Awareness Sessions

The Viva Technology Awareness Session programs are designed to coincide with one academic semester or quarter.

For multiple sessions, typically 10 or more in one programming cycle, students will learn about various engineering and science majors, the universities that offer curricula and degrees in these majors, and which companies/agencies are associated with these STEM fields.

Furthermore, over the 10-20 weeks of programming, students will interact with college students and meet engineering and science professionals. At the end of the program will have the opportunity to win technology prizes and will receive a certificate of completion as part of a Graduation Ceremony celebrating the culmination of a comprehensive program.

Some scheduling relationships the Viva Technology Awareness Session Program can take are for afterschool, Before school, or Block Schedules at given schools and even entire districts.

School Assembly

The Viva Technology Team has developed a 1-2 hour interactive school assembly that explores the exciting world of technology for students.

This program is designed for up to 650 students in one assembly, and typically includes giveaways and audience interaction that complements the presentation.

Viva Technology™ at the HENAAC Conference

The Department of Defense (DoD) strongly supports increasing the number of Hispanics and Latinos entering STEM related fields. For such reasons, DoD has hosted the Viva TechnologyTM Program for 6 years in a row at the HENAAC conference.

The Viva Technology™ Conference Event takes place during the HENAAC Conference and includes over 300 students from the state and metropolitan area. The day is comprised of hands-on design and building projects, team presentations, and awards showcasing the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.