Yale Ciencia Initiative project recognized by the White House

Ciencia Puerto Rico (CienciaPR), part of the Yale Ciencia Initiative and the world’s largest network of Puerto Rican scientists, was recognized by the White House as a “Bright Spot” in Hispanic Education. The award was granted by the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics.

CienciaPR was one of 17 initiatives in the United States recognized for promoting educations and careers in the area of ​​science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). It brings together thousands of Hispanic scientists, students, and educators worldwide through an innovative Web-based platform.

“For the last ten years the CienciaPR network has established itself as an unparalleled resource, connecting the public and students with Hispanic scientists and increasing access to culturally relevant STEM educational and informational resources among traditionally underserved communities,” said Dr. Giovanna Guerrero-Medina, executive director of CienciaPR. “We are proud that Yale supports this project and that CienciaPR has been selected for this recognition,” she added.

The Yale Ciencia Initiative is an effort of the Yale Center for Teaching and Learning to expand access to scientific knowledge, experiences, and careers among communities or populations traditionally underrepresented in, or underserved by, the scientific enterprise.

One of the Yale Ciencia Initiative projects highlighted in the nomination include “The Voice of Experience,” a career exploration resource narrated by Latino STEM professionals done in  collaboration with the Yale Center for Clinical Investigation with an NCATS-funded Yale Clinical and Translational Sciences Award.