Maker Mobile Highlights: Shoutout to Our Near-Peer Mentors
At RAFT, we believe in the power of hands-on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education to inspire creativity and innovation among young students. Our Maker Mobile brings STEAM learning directly to schools and communities in the greater Bay Area, engaging K-8 students with exciting activities that spark curiosity and problem-solving skills.
A crucial part of this initiative is our Maker Mobile Mentor Program, in partnership with and funded by the Synopsys Outreach Foundation, where college students serve as near-peer mentors. These mentors, many from San Jose State University’s College of Science, join our Maker Mobile visits and events to share their knowledge, experiences, and passion for STEAM. They provide a unique classroom-to-career perspective, helping students see the real-world applications of their education and inspiring them to dream big.
Today, we want to highlight three of our dedicated mentors who are making a difference in the lives of the students they meet. Let’s hear their stories and learn how RAFT is supporting their professional journeys!
Meet Our Mentors
Nina Wang: The Robotics Enthusiast Ready to Code the Future
Nina Wang, at 19 years old, is one of our youngest mentors. Born and raised in San Jose, California, Nina has always been surrounded by the tech culture of the Bay Area. She is currently studying computer science and has interests in robotics, computer networking, and video game development. Her journey into robotics began with a trial project for the Robotics Club at SJSU, sparking her enthusiasm for embedded systems.
Through her involvement with RAFT’s Maker Mobile Mentor Program, Nina has been able to apply her technical skills in real-world settings, helping to demystify robotics for young learners. This hands-on experience has been crucial for Nina, not only in solidifying her own understanding of technical concepts but also in fostering a love for technology among the students she mentors. Her time with RAFT has inspired her to think more broadly about how technology can be used to solve real-world problems, preparing her for a future career in tech.
Theodore Yu: The Aspiring Dentist with a Heart for Science
Theodore Yu, a 21-year-old biology major with a minor in chemistry at San Jose State University, comes to us from Stockton, California. Theodore’s passion for healthcare and science led him to explore various careers within the field, ultimately choosing dentistry after shadowing a dentist and discovering his love for the work. His current research focuses on regenerating heart tissues, an innovation that could transform treatment for heart disease patients worldwide.
As a Maker Mobile Mentor, Theodore has been able to refine his communication skills by explaining scientific concepts in a way that’s engaging and understandable for younger students. This experience has reinforced his desire to make a difference in people’s lives through science, both in his future dental practice and in his ongoing research.
Stephanie Alonso: A Future Pediatrician with a Love for Math and Psychology
Stephanie Alonso, also 21, is a psychology major with a minor in chemistry at San Jose State University. Her dream is to attend medical school and become a pediatrician. She has always been drawn to the medical field and has a particular love for working with children. By participating in the Maker Mobile Mentor Program, Stephanie has gained valuable experience working directly with kids, which is perfect for someone aspiring to pediatrics.
Engaging with students in hands-on STEAM activities has helped her develop a unique approach to teaching and mentoring, blending her knowledge of psychology with her passion for medicine. This role has allowed her to better understand how to communicate complex ideas to a younger audience, a skill she knows will be invaluable in her future medical career.
These students are not just mentors; they are role models, innovators, and future leaders who are passionate about STEAM and eager to share their knowledge and experiences with the next generation. Through RAFT’s Maker Mobile Mentor Program, they gain valuable experience that complements their academic pursuits and helps them grow both personally and professionally.
Join Us!
Are you passionate about STEAM and want to make a difference? We would love to have you join our Maker Mobile visits and events! Students at San Jose State University (SJSU) can become mentors, sharing their love for science, technology, engineering, arts, or math to inspire the next generation of creators. Learn more about our mentor opportunities here.
For professionals, we offer valuable volunteer opportunities where you can give back to the community and support hands-on learning experiences. Together, we can nurture problem solvers and innovators for the future. Volunteer with us today!
Together, we can make a meaningful impact!