Rosa Aristy, leader of Bridges to Science discusses her inspiration behind creating an organization dedicated to STEM, and working with youth in the Hispanic community

TYAN: What inspired you to create bridges to science?

Rosa: Students in our homeschool community coop were asked to vote on which classes they would like to take. When some of the pupils reached upper grade levels, co-op leaders asked what subjects they were interested in pursuing the following year.

The inspiration for Bridges to Science sparked during a turning point in our homeschool co-op. When older students were asked to vote for which classes they would like to take. Almost unanimously they voted to learn robotics and coding, but most parents in our co-op didn’t feel we had expertise to teach these subjects.

Witnessing our students’ eagerness – their “curiosity and hunger to learn” – resonated deeply with me. As a home educator who thrives on nurturing that curiosity, I felt compelled to find a solution.

That’s how Bridges to Science was born. It stemmed from the desire to bridge the gap between student interest and access to quality STEM education, particularly for those pursuing unconventional educational paths. To this day, students have a voice in driving our programs and their content.

TYAN: Since it began, what has been your favorite part about it?

Rosa: Launching our Youth Ambassador program, seeing students connect with each other, have a voice in computer science, have opportunities to lead, and pay it forward.

There are two aspects of Bridges to Science that bring me immense joy. First, witnessing the magic of our Youth Ambassador Program. Watching how our programs cultivate curiosity, build community, and instill confidence in our students to achieve their goals is incredibly rewarding. Another constant source of motivation is seeing our youth connect, find their voices in STEM fields, and take on leadership roles. Their enthusiasm for learning and desire to “pay it forward” inspires me every day.

Second, the ability to connect our community with real-world role models and world-class resources is deeply gratifying. Knowing that Bridges to Science bridges the gap between student potential and incredible learning opportunities is a truly fulfilling aspect of this journey.

TYAN: What is your biggest takeaway from the work you have done thus far?

Rosa: My biggest takeaway is the immense capability and dedication of young people. Through Bridges to Science, I’ve witnessed firsthand how eager they are to make a real difference in the world. When empowered with the right training and opportunities, they can achieve remarkable results, often exceeding what we adults even imagine possible.

Furthermore, young people consistently rank among our most enthusiastic and dependable volunteers. Their energy and commitment are truly inspiring.

TYAN: What is a mistake you’ve seen other adults make when working with Hispanic youth?

Rosa: One of the biggest mistakes I’ve observed adults make when working with Hispanic youth is inadvertently overlooking their cultural background and upbringing. This can lead to missed opportunities for connection and engagement.

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month what advice would you have for other potential CP’s to working with Hispanic youth? In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, here’s some advice for potential Community Partners (CPs) working with Hispanic youth:

• Embrace Culture and Build Connections: Make an effort to understand and celebrate their cultural background. Implement surveys and focus groups to gather youth input on program content and delivery. Find ways to integrate their heritage into your program activities, fostering a sense of belonging and identity.
• Partner with the Whole Family: Recognize that Hispanic communities often operate within a strong family unit. Reaching out to families and integrating them into your program increases the likelihood of youth participation.
• Food is Family: Consider incorporating food into your meetings or events. Sharing a meal is a deeply ingrained way for Hispanic communities to connect and build relationships. This simple act can create a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere.

We appreciate Rosa and all she does for the youth in her community. Bridges to Science is a wonderful example of the positive outcomes that can be attributed when Positive Youth Development is put into place. Could your group benefit from PYD training? Reach out to us!