New Hire: Hannah E. Sanchez

Thanks to a grant from Social Ventures Partners Arizona, Si Se Puede Foundation has a new director for the Scholars & Youth Employment Training Programs. Hannah will graduate from Arizona State University this December. While at ASU, she chose to pursue two degrees, which demonstrate her passion for her community. She has been on the Dean’s List every semester. Her studies include Trans-border Chicano/Latino Immigration Policies and Economics, as well as Political Science. While at ASU, she interned with SSPF. She says she is privileged to be a part of this wonderful organization that serves the youth of Chandler As Director of Educational Programs, she will work with Mr. Esparza to grow and develop each of the programs SSPF offers. Sanchez has also begun overseeing the Scholars Program, which provides students with the skills and resources necessary for college. She will also oversee the new Youth Employment and Job Training Program. She says she’s very excited about developing this opportunity for the community and has lots of ideas.

Important Dates

Nov. 17: Calculus competition Dec. 1: First Lego Robotics competition March 11-12: S.T.E.M. workshop @ ASU Polytech March 30: Annual César E. Chávez April 20: Calculus competition @ CGCC April 27: Scholars graduation May 4: Cinco de Mayo Festival

Team San Marcos interviews Verla Morris at the Chandler Senior Center. Morris is 100 years old.

S.T.E.M. WorkshopInspiring students to pursue Science, Technology, Engineering and Math.

SSPF and ASU Polytechnic will collaborate to host the inaugural student seminars focusing on Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (S.T.E.M.). The seminars will be March 11 and 12, 2013 and at the Polytechnic Campus and be delivered to 250 seventh and eighth graders from Chandler Unified School District (CUSD) Title 1 Schools. Mr. Alberto L. Esparza, President & CEO, hopes the seminars will inspire students to consider careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. He also hopes this will provide a foundation and encourage students to study S.T.E.M. In addition to student seminars, a parent workshop will be offered to parents who want to learn more about S.T.E.M. and career prospects. SSPF would like to thank CUSD for their commitment to S.T.E.M. and SSPF.

Dinner to Honor EducatorsSi Se Puede Foundation is excited to announce its 13th Annual César E. Chávez Educators of the Year Awards Dinner, which will be held at San Marcos Resort in Chandler on Saturday, March 30, 2013. The dinner is meant to honor five outstanding Chandler Unified School District educators, as well as one administrator and one Chandler-Gilbert Community College professor. Last years honorees included: Dr. Camille Castell, Superintendent, CUSD; Susan Eissinger, Associate Superintendent; Rose Marie Bogue, Galveston Elementary; Geri Jaramillo, Chandler High; Dawn Koberstein, Dean of Students CUSD; Diane Lundahl, Hamilton High; Veronica Rico, Hartford Elementary; Angelica Rivas, Erie Elementary and Dr. Linda Lujan, President & CEO Chandler-Gilbert Community College. We would also like to thank our sponsors: BCBSAZ, StateFarm, Intel, Century Link, Hospice of the Valley, Telemundo Phoenix, CPLC, PRfect Media, Elite Taxi Cab, United Health Care Community Plan, Eva’s Mexican Restaurant, the City of Chandler and the East Valley Hispanic Business Alliance. Applications for the 2013 Educators and Administrator of the Year are now available and will be e-mailed to school principals. For more information, please contact Alberto L. Esparza at (480) 310-2018.

Robots for SeniorsStudents research technology to improve the lives of seniors.

Chandler students are exploring ways in which they can improve the quality of life for seniors. Their efforts to help seniors continue to be independent, engaged and connected in their communities is part of the 2012 First Lego League Challenge. SSPF students have been working tirelessly since August, preparing for the competition. Their challenge is to solve a problem seniors face as they age. Teams interviewed seniors at the City of Chandler’s Senior Center, as well as Soltera Senior Living Center. They got to know each senior by asking him or her about their life, history and challenges they face today. Once they identified a health problem, they began researching solutions to the health issues specific to the senior they interviewed. Students are encouraged to interview professionals working to solve the problem, as well as develop new technology to solve the health problem. Student teams met to brainstorm and share their research. They are in the process of designing a device to make their senior’s life better. Teams must prepare a presentation that leaves a lasting impression with the judges. The competition will be held at ASU Preparatory Dec. 1, 2012. SSPF would like to extend a special thanks to: State Farm, Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, the Wal-Mart Foundation, the City of Chandler and Chandler Unified School District.

Team Willis interviews Maynard White Students interview a at the Chandler Senior Center. a war vet at Solterra, a senior

living facility.