The Next Engineers: Engineering Camp was a 30-hour event held over 5 days held from August 4th to August 8th, designed to inspire youth aged 12–15 to explore STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) through hands-on activities, workshops, and collaboration. Hosted in Querétaro, the camp welcomed 48 participants, equally divided between girls (50%) and boys (50%), with the majority coming from public schools and adding representation of private schools, emphasizing inclusivity and accessibility.
The camp featured over 15 activities, including Arduino programming, hydraulic arm construction, renewable energy exploration, robotics, and foam board gliders, as well as interactive workshops on neurofeminism, prosthetic awareness, 3D printing, and neuron observation. Participants also toured the laboratories of GE Aerospace, UNAQ, and UNAM ENES Juriquilla, gaining exposure to advanced technology and engineering practices.
This event was made possible through a partnership between GE Aerospace, UNAM ENES Juriquilla, and UNAQ as host institutions, in collaboration with government organizations such as SEDEQ and USEBEQ, which regulate basic education in Mexico. The Next Engineers initiative, enabled by the Hispanic and Latino Alliance ERG at Queretaro Hub, served as the driving force behind the camp, ensuring its success and alignment with the program’s mission to inspire the next generation of engineers. The camp was supported by 78 volunteers from the educational institutions and GE Aerospace, who contributed 696 hours as facilitators, guides, and logistical support.
The camp began with an Opening Ceremony, where representatives from the involved institutions officially launched the first iteration of the Next Engineers: Engineering Camp. Over the course of the event, the camp fostered interest in STEM, creativity, teamwork, and equity, showcasing the power of institutional collaboration to inspire the next generation of engineers. On the 5th day, a Closing Ceremony was held to recognize the contributions of participants, volunteers, and institutions, ensuring continuity in this important initiative.
Thank you to everyone who contributed to the success of the Next Engineers: Engineering Camp. A special thanks to the Hispanic and Latino Alliance ERG Leadership, whose unwavering support made this initiative possible. Your dedication and enthusiasm not only inspired the next generation of engineers but also highlighted the extraordinary impact of collaboration. We deeply appreciate your efforts and look forward to working together on future opportunities to empower young minds through STEM.
