STEM Program Inspires Students to Reach for the Stars - Mike Hauser Academy Graduation

The Mike Hauser Academy wrapped up its immersive summer science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) program with a graduation ceremony at Sonoma State University on Friday, June 29. One-hundred thirty students capped off their three-week Academy experience with tours of the university as well as hearing from a panel of current college students and Academy Alumni.

Included on the panel was 2009 Academy Alumnus Nikko Mendoza who just last month graduated from UC Davis with a degree in Aerospace Science & Engineering. Nikko talked about how the Academy inspired him to pursue his dream of becoming an engineer. Graduating from the Academy before his freshman year at Roseland University Prep, he diligently worked toward his goal of becoming the first in his family – including 5 older brothers and 1 older sister – to go to college. Nikko shared stories about his journey, encouraging the students to persevere through difficulties and to achieve their educational goals.

Programs such as the Mike Hauser Academy exemplify the Chamber’s ongoing commitment to workforce development and its importance for our member businesses. Our business community’s future success is dependent on workers’ skills, and the Mike Hauser Academy is one means for the Chamber to directly and dramatically improve the skills of our future workforce. We thank the numerous sponsors, partners and businesses hosts that contributed to increasing academic achievement, inspiring students to pursue their dreams, and investing in our future through the Mike Hauser Academy.