Engaged Scholarship and Learning at UTRGV

On Tuesday, August 20, we wrapped up an inspiring staff retreat! Our Office of Engaged Scholarship and Research team is back, rejuvenated, and eager to support your groundbreaking research and creative arts projects. We’re here to help you innovate and achieve your goals. Stay tuned for exciting updates and new opportunities ahead!

Congratulations to staff member Neida Gutierrez, who has accepted a new role in the Department of Occupational Therapy! 🎉

We wish you the best in this new chapter! Thank you for everything you have done for us, Neida—you are missed! 💫

🎉Excited for Welcome Week?
Join the UTRGV International Student Services Meet & Greet Thursday at the UTRGV Brownsville Campus! Celebrate cultural diversity with a vibrant parade and connect with fellow students!

📍: Student Union Patio
🕒: 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM (Parade starts at 11:15 AM from BMAIN Courtyard)

Don’t miss out!

🎉 Record-Breaking Enrollment & Retention at UTRGV! 🎉

🌟UTRGV - The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley is shaping the future of Texas with our largest freshman class ever and a historic 83% retention rate. We're proud to be recognized as the No. 1 University in Texas for the second year in a row! Together, we’re building a brighter tomorrow for South Texas. 🌟

The UTRGV Robert C. Vackar College of Business & Entrepreneurship Enactus team has won the Enactus USA National Championship! 🏆
They will head to Kazakhstan to represent the U.S. at the World Cup, highlighting their efforts in financial literacy and inclusivity. Let’s rally behind them as they showcase RGV pride on the global stage! 🌍

Meet Decy Pradhanitalea Atyadewi, a Business Analytics grad student at UTRGV! 🎓 She chose UTRGV for its affordability, diversity, and hands-on learning. Decy’s journey combines her background in Accounting with advanced analytics, preparing her to tackle real-world challenges and drive innovation. Proud to have students like Decy making an impact!

Read more: https://utrgv.news/DecyPradhanitaleaAtyadewi

Welcome back, Vaqueros to the Fall 2024 semester at UTRGV! 🎉

We're the Office of Engaged Scholarship & Learning (ES&L), and we’re here to support your journey through community engagement, research, and service learning. Let’s make this semester amazing—full of growth and new experiences. Here’s to a fantastic semester ahead! 🚀

Join UTRGV Robert C. Vackar College of Business & Entrepreneurship for their first VIP Idea Lab on September 13th from 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM! Transportation will be provided from Edinburg and Brownsville to the UTRGV Center for Innovation and Commercialization - CIC in Weslaco, so don’t wait—secure your spot before it’s too late!

Andrea Carrillo from UTRGV’s English department is passionate about helping others live their best lives. In her research presentation "The Road to Success" at last semester’s ES2, she explored the challenges people face in living within their means and strategies to eradicate poverty. Our office supports impactful research like Andrea’s and more! Interested in funding for your project? Email [email protected] for more information.

The UTRGV Athletics Ranks 6th Nationally in Community Service!

For the 3rd year in a row, UTRGV Athletics has ranked in the TOP 10 nationally for community service, logging 5,042 hours in 2023-24!

The Office of Engaged Scholarship & Learning (ES&L) is proud to support their dedication to making a real impact off the field. Let’s continue to inspire and engage our community! 🌟

🌟 Empowering Student Scholars 🌟

This summer, high school students engaged with the world of STEM at UTRGV's JSTEM Summer Program! La Joya ISD, Harlingen Consolidated Independent School District, and IDEA Public Schools student scholars tackled real-world research problems with solutions that make a difference! Here's a glimpse into their journey of discovery, collaboration, and hands-on learning. 🚀🔬

Say hello 👋 to the Fall 2024 Service Learning Ambassador Team at UTRGV - The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley!

Hey Vaqueros! Exciting news—business students, this is your chance to apply for the Kemper Scholars program! You could earn up to $10,000 in scholarships, with 5 awards available this year. Check your eligibility, scan the QR code, and submit your application by August 30. Finalists will be contacted for interviews. Don’t miss out—apply now and take a step toward your future success

Shoutout to Dr. Lucia Carreon Martinez from UTRGV Biology Department for taking her students on a tour at Resaca de la Palma State Park. They learned about the park’s biodiversity and environmental impact. Thanks to Ranger Amanda for highlighting the importance of protecting plant and animal species.

At the Office of Engaged Scholarship & Learning, we’re all about hands-on learning experiences that connect academic knowledge with real-world applications. Want to learn more about our programs? Visit us today!

Congrats to the Class of 2028 on their White Coat Ceremony! 🎉 - UTRGV School of Medicine
This milestone celebrates their dedication to healthcare and our community's values of learning, achievement, and collaboration.

👏 Students, if you're inspired, reach out to learn more about how you can engage with real-world experiences and professional growth!

UTRGV - The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley is partnering with the Stars Scholarship Fund and the LaMantia Family to increase the number of Licensed Clinical Social Workers in the Rio Grande Valley! 🏥

A $130K donation will help our students overcome obstacles, making certification easier and empowering them to serve the community.

Discover more: https://bit.ly/UTRGV-LCSW

🎉 Happy Birthday, Dr. Chapman! 🎉

We celebrate your incredible impact on the Office of Engaged Scholarship & Learning including directing our recent JSTEM 2024 Symposium. Your dedication to student innovation and experiential learning is truly inspiring - we hope your day is as amazing as you are

🎓 Join us at the JSTEM Project Based Learning at UTRGV 2024 Symposium! Support our high school scholars as they showcase their amazing research and achievements.

📅 Date: July 31st
🕙 Time: 10 AM
📍 Location: UTRGV Edinburg Engineering Auditorium

Learn about the history of the JSTEM program, the valuable research conducted by our scholars, and meet UTRGV - The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley faculty and UTtech mentors. Celebrate the hard work of students from La Joya ISD, Harlingen Consolidated Independent School District, and IDEA Public Schools. This FREE event is a fantastic opportunity to see research in action!

🔗 RSVP at: bit.ly/JSTEM24

Meet EDI, the dynamic mascot of McAllen Economic Development Corporation! EDI embodies innovation and connectivity, guiding businesses through growth opportunities in McAllen, TX. Proudly designed by Professor Jose Garza's Marketing Service Learning students, EDI is ready to assist and connect! If you are a faculty member or student seeking out a service learning experience, reach out to [email protected]

🌟 Become a Mentor with Vaquero Connect! 🌟

Make a difference by sharing your career journey with students through UTRGV's new mentoring platform. Anyone can join, not just UTRGV alums!

Register here: peoplegrove.utrgv.edu

For similar opportunities, message us for more info on programs for hands-on experience and growth. Let’s inspire the next generation together!

👏 Big congrats to Proyecto SAN DIEGO volunteers! Your dedication to supporting diabetes classes, reception duties, exercise sessions, immigration services, GED support, and more is truly impactful. You are helping to build stronger communities and brighter futures in the RGV.

Thank these volunteers in the comments and learn how you too can get involved! 💬

Meet Carlos Wong, the primary author of the thesis "Mushroom Companions." As a student in the School of Earth, Environment, & Marine Sciences, Wong researched the cultivation of special mushrooms. His study examined the efficiency of co-inoculating a single grow bag with two unique mushroom sets. The promising results encourage collaboration with local producers to enhance sustainable mushroom growth.

Wong presented this remarkable work at our spring ES2. Did you know you could be funded to research and present your findings as well? Email [email protected] for more information.

🔬Support our high school scholars at the JSTEM Project Based Learning at UTRGV 2024 Symposium!🔬

La Joya ISD, IDEA Public Schools, and Harlingen Consolidated Independent School District student scholars will present their findings July 31st at 10AM at the UTRGV Edinburg Engineering Auditorium!

Led by UTRGV - The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Faculty and UTRGV UTeach Mentors, this FREE event highlights research at its best!

🔗 RSVP at: bit.ly/JSTEM24

🎨Calling all Rio Grande Valley Artists!🎨 Boost your creative practice with a FREE Creative Infrastructure Workshop with Trucha RGV on July 25th, 6:30 PM at Valley Art, Harlingen, TX. Learn to craft compelling proposals for open-call submissions. Cactus Valley Art & Supply Company

🔗 ES&L Students: Enhance your skills and build your portfolio! Perfect for those involved in applying for ESAA projects. RSVP today and take your artistry to the next level!

RSVP at: bit.ly/CreativeTRUCHA24

Meet Michael Marcias, a UTRGV Criminal Justice major. Drawn by UTRGV's socially conscious education, Michael aims to enhance society through justice and safety. His goal is to join the U.S. Border Patrol, using his skills to serve the country. Kudos to Michael for making a difference! Compelled by hands-on learning like undergraduate research and community engagement? Connect with the Office of Engaged Scholarship & Learning to enrich your academic journey. Read his profile at https://bit.ly/468i2Xr

Applications for Leadership Brownsville Class XL are now OPEN! 📢

Join a diverse group of community leaders and drive positive change with Leadership Brownsville! Apply by August 13th at 11:59 PM.

Send your application to [email protected]
bit.ly/LeadershipBrownsvilleXL

Daniel Masamba from the College of Engineering and Computer Science presented groundbreaking research on control strategies for multi-robot cooperation using multi-agent reinforcement learning at our last semester's ES2. Our office funds innovative projects like this. Don't miss out—apply now! Email [email protected] for more information.

🌟 Future leaders and entrepreneurs! 🌟

Join the Frontera Leadership Institute! This 3-month summer program will train you to start a business and master product Frontera Leadership Institute! This 3-month summer program will train you to start a business and master product !

🗓️ Deadline: July 27, 2024

If you've been part of our ES&L projects, this is your next step! Build on your experience, collaborate with peers, and develop essential skills.

Requirements:
📚 1+ semester of college credit
🎓 Ages 18-26

Apply now! 🌟
🔗 bit.ly/fronteraleadership