Underrepresented Students Showcase Their Technology-Based Inventions At MESA Event – KDRV

Klamath Falls, OR-            Oregon MESA is holding a student showcase called Demo Day through Oregon Institute of Technology.

MESA is an after-school STEM program which students are exposed to science, technology, and engineering.

MESA represents students who are underserved and underrepresented in middle and high school. They have the opportunity to showcase inventions they’ve created to a panel of judges.

This year MESA students were challenged to create a solution for people who bring food to the Oregon community. The theme is ‘From Harvest to Table’, it’s focused around human centered design.

“It introduces students to how do you come up with an idea, right, how do you solve potentially a community problem,” says Carleen Starr.

Carleen Starr is the Director of Educational Partnerships and Outreach for Oregon Institute of Technology. OIT supports the MESA program by supplying supplies as well as student mentors for teachers and students.

“Access and exposure to those opportunities go a really long way for our students,” says Starr.

Students who fall under the underrepresented category are female students, low-income students, and minorities.

“We are trying to bridge that gap and give students more perspective on what STEM education is all about and what those careers can provide for them long term,” says Starr.

MESA’s Demo Day is taking place this week. Saturday February 26th will be the Demo Day ceremony that’s held virtually. This event is open to the public and is hosted be OIT.