‘We’re All Here to Uplift Each Other’ – 26 Hours of Science and Technology Event Embodies Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
By Lauren McEwen
Dozens of high school students from across the state filed in through the heavy black doors of the new Boswell Agricultural Technology Center with bright eyes and energetic steps. High school students from 13 schools across California were to attend the annual 26 Hours of Science and Technology (26 Hours) event, which began as a senior project over 35 years ago.
The goal of the two-day venture is to bring the prospect of a college education into focus for first-generation high school students by showcasing the college’s 15 majors and the careers they prepare students for. The event is a hallmark of the college’s efforts to improve diversity, equity and inclusion.
Latinos in Agriculture, one of the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences’ student clubs, plans the event each year. David Lopez, a third-year agricultural science student, and Sophia Garcia, a master’s student in agricultural education, served as co-chairs of this year’s planning committee.
“We orchestrated a meaningful experience showcasing science and technology, leveraging the expertise of various departments within the college,” Lopez said. “I hold high hopes that events like this will foster a continuous pipeline of first-generation students pursuing higher education.”
Students from the San Joaquin Valley, the Central Coast and Southern California have the opportunity to experience Cal Poly’s unique Learn by Doing philosophy and industry connections at this event. Participants visited every department in the college, meeting faculty, staff and students who themselves have gone through the 26 Hours program.
“The students get a touch of every department, along with encouragement from cultural clubs like Latinos in Agriculture, which helps create a positive environment,” Garcia said. “There’s a strong familia vibe. We’re all here to uplift each other.”
Veronica Lemus, an agricultural education teacher at Fillmore High School, participated in 26 Hours in high school. She later attended Cal Poly, where she was a member of Latinos in Agriculture, graduating with undergraduate and graduate degrees, along with a teaching credential. She shared that she loves the 26 Hours program because its intended audience is underserved, low-income students. “It highlights opportunities they can have coming from small towns because many of my students don’t have exposure to college,” Lemus said. “As a high school student, 26 Hours accomplished what I hoped it would. It set the seed to get me to Cal Poly.”
Lopez and Garcia began preparations for the event almost a year in advance, coordinating with the club and reaching out to prospective high schools. Lemus’ students shared a few of their highlights from 26 Hours, saying that the Learn by Doing philosophy came to life through the showcase. “It’s been a really fun time,” said Arlene Godinez, a student from Fillmore High School. “It was cool to see the different types of majors, especially the animals and environmental sciences.”
Fatima Espinoza, also of Fillmore High School, shared that 26 Hours was really educational and fun. “I didn’t know how hands-on Cal Poly was,” Espinoza said. “As a visual learner, it’s great for any high schooler to see the opportunities available to them.”
As for the future of the program, Garcia said she hopes that Cal Poly will be able to host the students overnight in on-campus dormitories and continue to improve industry partnerships. Lopez shared similar sentiments, adding that “such experiences make higher education feel more tangible and attainable. Ideally, former attendees of the 26 Hours event will become the driving force behind its organization in the future, ensuring its perpetuation and evolution,” he said.
To learn more and to help support the event, email latinos-in-agriculture-club@calpoly.edu.
Visit Cultivate Summer 2024 to read more stories.