17th Annual Latina Summer Academy inspires young girls

OMAHA, NEB. – College of Saint Mary hosted its 17th Annual Latina Summer Academy from June 10th – 15th. The week-long opportunity invited Latina girls entering their sophomore or junior year of high school to campus for engaging activities centered around STEAM fields (science, technology, engineering, arts and math). Camp participants were guided throughout the week by a highly-qualified CSM team of bilingual faculty and staff.

The focus of this year’s event was on the science of water, and the girls learned through the classroom, interactive activities, and community outreach programs.  The participants enjoyed hands-on learning opportunities at Outward Bound, UNL’s Water Science Laboratory, and Glacier Creek Preserve. The girls also participated in a service learning project with Girls Inc. and saw the play Singing in the Rain at the Omaha Community Playhouse. 

In addition to promoting knowledge through action, the event was designed as an opportunity to embolden and inspire girls.  

“The Latina Summer Academy is so beneficial for the participants,” said Adrianna Olague Cepeda, a camp counselor.  “The girls get the opportunity to have a taste of the college life, which can help them make a decision on pursuing their education after high school.  They also create close bonds with other Latinas.  For Latinas in this country, it is important to support each other, and this academy helps them do so.”

The camp took advantage of both the intimate on-campus setting of CSM and broader resources throughout the community. Participants had the opportunity to experience the unique warmth of College of Saint Mary by staying in one of the on-campus residential halls throughout the week. They also heard a college student panel and attended sessions on important life skills such as financial literacy, healthy relationships, and conflict resolution.

This week-long program was made possible through the support of the Women’s Fund of Omaha, Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, Northeast Mercy Ministry Fund, and Vernie and Carter Jones. For more information about College of Saint Mary’s 17th Annual Latina Summer Academy and other opportunities at College of Saint Mary, visit CSM.edu.