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College of Saint Mary Hosts 51 ninth and tenth graders for Latina Summer Academy

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

This week College of Saint Mary is hosting 51 ninth and tenth grade Latina students for the 13th Annual Latina Summer Academy (LSA) in Math and Science. The 2014 theme for this distinct, one-week residential opportunity is Food Matters: The Science of Nutrition & Exercise.  Through hands-on activities students will explore:

  • The science of “slow food” vs. “fast food.”
  • Healthy/unhealthy foods and safe practices.
  • “Hungry Planet” - global economic and environmental impact of food production.
  • Nutritious food choices across cultures.
  • Body, Mind & Spirit: connect health and wellness.
     

Students are taking educational field trips, meet with Latina community leaders and participate in enriching events and exercises. The academy began on Sunday, June 22, and  lasts all week as highly-qualified faculty and bilingual staff educate and supervise students.

LSA’s goal is to encourage young, Latina girls to finish high school and attend college. This is a one-of-a-kind program in Omaha that provides a live-in college experience and has a proven record of encouraging Latina girls to feel more confident to pursue science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) careers.

Maria Luisa Gaston, Director of the Latina Summer Academy, states “College of Saint Mary’s Latina Summer Academy gives young Latina women encouragement and exposure to college academics. It is our purpose to make sure these students know that they are capable of attending college and that college holds exciting opportunities for their future.”

This year 57% of the Latina Summer Academy students are from Nebraska, 31% are from Missouri, with the other 12% coming from Iowa, Colorado and California.