The Urbana School District recognized the Cena y Ciencias program during their recent board meeting. The outreach program, of which Dr. Joaquín Rodríguez-López is a co-leader and active participant, gives children, grades K-5, an opportunity to participate in multiple science activities, led completely in Spanish, while sharing a meal. Thus the name Cena y Ciencias (Spanish for "Supper and Science"). 

Dr. Rodríguez-López is quoted as saying: "The program is growing and fortunately getting a lot of attention from the community. I’ve made this program an important part of my broader impacts for NSF, and is currently supported in part by grants I have from CMI, DMR, and the I-MRSEC.

All that participate here hope that this program shows how the university and the department (SACNAS is a main partner of this effort and many of our students participate) can engage with the community and how we are establishing a pipeline of scientists from early on."

If you would like to learn more, please visit the Cena y Ciencias website or read an article that was in the I-STEM Education Initiative here.