The ExCELS Scholarship Program, a collaborative initiative between California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB), and the CSU Consortium STEM-NET, proudly celebrates two of its exceptional recipients, Jerry Cervantes-Fernandez and Alexis Luevanos. These accomplished scholars have been awarded the prestigious Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) Scholarship, enabling them to attend the 38th Annual HACU Conference in Denver, Colorado, from October 31 to November 3.
About HACU and the Conference
HACU is a renowned organization dedicated to empowering Hispanic students by creating unique networking opportunities and facilitating professional growth. This year's conference featured over 50 dynamic workshops and sessions hosted by leading companies such as Google, Yahoo, Southwest Airlines, and Fidelity. These sessions provided attendees with insights into career development, strategies for professional success, and emerging industry trends through interactive dialogues with experts and recruiters.
A Transformative Experience
Jerry Cervantes-Fernandez, a Computer Science student and selected leader within the scholarship program, shared how the conference shaped his academic and professional aspirations. "I led a group of peers in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, and Data Science, exploring opportunities to grow within STEM," he noted. His leadership was further recognized when the HACU President invited him and other student leaders to discuss the program's design and impact. Jerry also connected with industry leaders at Yahoo, gaining valuable insights into achieving his goal of becoming a Lead Engineer.
Similarly, Alexis Luevanos maximized the experience by attending workshops hosted by top employers and engaging with professionals to build connections on LinkedIn. "The advice on stress management and career navigation was invaluable," Alexis remarked. "The opportunity to connect with recruiters and hear their stories has strengthened my confidence and career readiness."
A Testament to Excellence
The success of Jerry and Alexis exemplifies the mission of the ExCELS Scholarship Program to empower underrepresented students in achieving academic and professional excellence. "We are incredibly proud of Jerry and Alexis," said Dr. Yunfei Hou, ExCELS Program Director. "Their achievements reflect not only their dedication and ambition but also the opportunities our program strives to provide for all our scholars at CSUSB."
Looking Ahead
As Jerry and Alexis return to campus, they carry newfound knowledge and professional connections that will undoubtedly inspire their peers. Their experiences underscore the significance of initiatives like HACU and the ExCELS Scholarship Program in shaping the future leaders of STEM and beyond.
Additional Highlight:
HACU President Antonio R. Flores pictured with ExCELS scholar Jerry Cervantes-Fernandez.
For further details about the ExCELS Scholarship Program or the HACU Conference, please contact Dr. Yunfei Hou at [email protected].