Meet the Future of Latino STEM Professionals: Enrique Alba

The Lone Star State is the setting for NCLR’s 2016 STEM Youth Summit in Houston this coming January at the Johnson Space Center. The STEM Youth Summit, generously supported by Shell Oil, is designed to expose Latino youth to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines through hands-on exploratory activities and engagement. At the event, students will have the opportunity to work closely with Latino STEM professionals who seek to increase the number of underrepresented youth in STEM fields. Participants will also have the opportunity to collaborate and work with other youth from our national Escalera network. As the Summit draws nearer, we’ll be featuring some of the remarkable young people, in their own words, who look forward to attending this year’s event. Today’s spotlight is on Enrique Alba, a senior at George I. Sanchez Charter School in Houston.

I’m Enrique Alba. I’m 18 years old. I was born in Houston but my parents were born in Mexico. I’m currently a senior at George I. Sanchez Charter School. In my spare time I like to draw and paint portraits.

I got involved in the NCLR Escalera program during my junior year after my teacher recommended the class. My favorite part about the program is that you get to experience college tours. I enjoy getting a better understanding about how college is important and the guidance offered throughout my senior year has been invaluable.

NCLR Escalera STEM has supported me by teaching me how to manage my college budget, and showing me what to expect during my first year of college. Thanks to Escalera I have already applied to four different Tier 1 universities and will be making my decision on which one to attend once my financial aid packages have been determined.

As an artist, I have learned that while STEM has predominately been known as Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, the new trend is to now call it STEAM. The introduction of Arts is something that has really interested me as I have begun to build my portfolio and hope to study Studio Art after high school.

Check back here for more spotlights on NCLR STEM Youth Summit participants. You can visit nclr.org/issues/education for more information on youth-oriented programs.