Caltech Y

Huge congratulations to our partners, the Flintridge Center, for winning Nonprofit of the Year at Congresswoman Judy Chu’s Congressional Leadership Awards! It is an honor to work with the Youth of Promise (YOP) program! 🥳🥳

Congratulations class of 2024! We can’t wait to see the impact you all will have on this world 🎉

Nothing but smiles at the 5th Grader Campus Tour and Science Demos organised by and Suva Elementary School! A big thank you to all the volunteers who took the time to lead this wonderful event!

🍉🍓 Fresh Fruit Friday Alert! 🍓🍉

Take a break before finals and join us for some healthy snacks and refreshments. Friday, June 7 between 3 and 5 pm, the Caltech Y front yard will be set up with a wide variety of Fresh Fruit... and veggies, and other healthy food options that you can enjoy on the spot or take for the week ahead. Grab and go or hang out for a while and relax with music and refreshments. Fill your bag with berries, melon, carrots, cucumbers, nuts, and more as supplies last.

From April 22-26, we at Caltech Y, along with the International Offices and ASCIT, were thrilled to coordinate World Fest, a weeklong celebration of cultural diversity on campus. Attendees enjoyed a variety of cuisines ranging from roti canai in Malaysia to pistachio halvah, a fudge-like Middle Eastern confection, and more delicious dishes from 21 different countries. Over 500 guests joined us for the food fair and cheered on 40+ performers in the multicultural talent and fashion show.

We are extremely proud of everyone who participated and shared their cultural heritage with pride and joy. It was a week of learning, celebrating, and fostering a deeper understanding of the diverse backgrounds that make up our vibrant community. 🌏❤️

Read more about this event:

Around the World in 21 Booths: Caltech Festival Celebrates Cultural Diversity Community members shared their heritage with pride at weeklong event culminating in an international food fair and multicultural fashion and talent show.

We are proud to support ASCIT and our dedicated students in their tutoring partnerships with the Young Legends. Through this collaboration, we're working together to provide essential educational support and resources. Let's continue empowering young minds and fostering a love for learning! 🌟💪

Learn more about our collaborative efforts and the amazing work being done:

Caltech Students Honored with Community Education Award The San Gabriel Valley section of the National Council of Negro Women (SGV-NCNW) has presented its Community Education Award to the Associated Students of Caltech (ASCIT). ASCIT is the exclusive tutoring partner for members of Young Legends, a leadership-development group organized by the SGV-NCNW.

Congratulations to the LEAP project for receiving the prestigious CCID Agent of Change Award! 🏆 This recognition celebrates all their hard work and dedication to fostering positive change and making a significant impact in our community. Thank you to everyone who has supported this incredible project!

Learn more about the LEAP project: https://leap.caltech.edu

Want to explore the world with the Y? ✈️ There is still time to apply for our India cultural trip this December!! The Caltech Y, in partnership with the SURF Program and IIT Gandhinagar (IITGN) in India, is coordinating a trip to Gandhinagar, India. 🇮🇳Join us for an exciting cultural learning excursion as we explore India as an emerging nation and its potential role as a global leader in the context of its history and culture. 🌏Apply at www.Caltechy.org/india

Join us this Tuesday, May 14th, at 7:30 PM in Ramo Auditorium for a movie that truly matters: "LA Real: A Theatrical Reel." This is a film of the solo performance piece written and directed by Theresa Chavez, a 7th generation Californio and performed by actress Marlene Beltran.

Pondering its complicated layers, a Latina dives deep into her California ancestral history and how she should embrace it on a personal, political and cultural level. How can she connect to a past that has been nearly lost in time and move forward with a deeper sense of her identity?

Written and directed by Theresa Chavez, and with original video, music, painting, and vintage photography, L.A. Real peels away L.A.'s fantasy past to find a deeper, visceral connection for the 8th generation Southern California Latina.

A Q&A with the playwright/director will following the screening. Admission is free but reservations are strongly recommended.

REGISTER NOW: https://ci.ovationtix.com/36761/performance/11424105?performanceId=11424105

Got a tear? Wear it like new! 👗🧵 Swing by our Mending Life Skills Lunch on May 10th (TOMORROW) at 12pm and learn four basic stitches that can save your wardrobe. Bring your well-loved piece and we'll supply the rest! See you there!

RSVP Required: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfrL-P2g-e-p7JnjCT7wpumPcaTpOAY6AaOboRcRqPj34OFRg/viewform

We are thrilled to host Linda Akutagawa, President and CEO of Leadership Education for Asian Pacifics (LEAP), for a vital conversation on the Bamboo Ceiling and its impacts on leadership diversity. With nearly three decades as a dedicated social entrepreneur, Linda has tirelessly worked towards LEAP’s vision of nurturing diverse leaders who drive positive change for all. Linda also serves as a Board Member for the AAPI Equity Alliance and Japanese American Community Services, among other significant civic roles, including her positions with the California Citizens Redistricting Commission and the California Department of Insurance’s Diversity Task Force.

📅 May 9th (TODAY)
🕒 12PM-1PM
📍 Hameetman Multipurpose Room

Join us to gain valuable insights and discuss actionable strategies to break through barriers and foster inclusivity.

RSVP now: bit.ly/47pxD4B

Our very own Rise Tutor, Hannah Fisher, has been awarded the prestigious Fulbright Scholarship! 🎉 She'll be heading to Berlin, Germany to join the research group of Stefan Linke at the Technical University of Berlin, where she'll explore transforming lunar dust into sustainable building materials for moon habitats. After her Fulbright year, Hannah will continue her passion for aerospace by starting her doctoral studies at Stanford University in aeronautics and astronautics. 🚀We are incredibly proud of Hannah and can't wait to see all that she accomplishes!

Read more:

Caltech Students Win Fulbright and Schilt Scholarships Three Caltech seniors win scholarships for a year of study abroad.

Caltech Y former board member and Caltech alum Kevin Noertker (BS '09) delivered a keynote address during the admitted student DiscoTech. He discussed his experience of being admitted to and attending Caltech, and shared the story of how he later co-founded Ampaire, an electric aircraft company. He advised students to embrace their "core values" and dared them to "make bold choices." He added: "It is an opportunity each of us have in this world to do great things."

Read more: https://www.caltech.edu/about/news/discover-caltech-2024?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=institute-news&utm_source=weekly-newsletter&utm_content=&utm_term=

Double Congratulations to Eloheem Mahone! As our very own Rise student and a senior at John Muir High School, Eloheem has been awarded not one, but two prestigious scholarships. First, he's been named a 2024 Rose Scholar by the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association, earning a part of the $20,000 scholarship for his creative insights into his future goals. In addition, Eloheem is the proud inaugural recipient of the Leola Sudduth and Thomas Foster Kennedy Scholarship from the Pasadena Community Foundation. This endowed scholarship, celebrating the legacy of Councilmember John J. Kennedy and his parents, supports college-bound African American and Black youth with a $20,000 award, payable over four years. Eloheem Mahone is a stand-out STEM student, lefty Varsity pitcher for the mighty Muir Mustangs, and just committed to becoming a UCLA Bruin! 🐻 The Rise Program couldn’t be prouder of Eloheem’s achievements.

✨Dive into diversity at World Fest 2024! Join us at Caltech for a vibrant week of cultural exploration, from fascinating talks to our grand International Food Fair and Multicultural Fashion & Talent Show!👗 There will also be an array of dishes from around the globe and celebrations of the rich traditions that shape our community. Don't miss out—April 22-26! For more details, tap the link here:

Join us for Worldfest! April 22-26 World Fest, a celebration of the cultural diversity on our campus, features in-person events to share cultures and community. World Fest is presented by the Caltech Y and the International Offices and with ASCIT for the Multicultural Fashion & Talent Show + International Food Fair. For assistance wi...

We’re thrilled to shout out to Caltech ASCIT for winning the Community Engagement Award at the SGV NCNW's inaugural gala! 🏆 Their incredible work with the Young Legends program, in collaboration with Caltech Y, exemplifies the spirit of service and leadership. This award not only honors their commitment but also inspires us all to keep making a positive impact. Here’s to more transformative community collaborations!

Read more about SGV-NCNW: https://www.sgvncnw.com

🎉 Big congratulations to our very own Rise student, Jocelyn Rodriguez, for being honored as Youth of the Year by the Boys & Girls Club of Pasadena! Jocelyn has truly set herself apart through her hard work and amazing attitude, impressing everyone with her positivity, confidence, and dedication. As a key cabinet member in the leadership club, a competitor on the swim and volleyball teams, and a creative force in the Image Makers and CREATES programs, Jocelyn embodies the spirit of leadership and creativity. We are proud of you, Jocelyn! Keep inspiring us all. 🌟

🌌 Leap Day at Caltech Y brought a blend of community, insight, and inspiration at the Winter Friends Dinner. With discussions led by AI experts and alumni Dr. Karina Montilla Edmonds and Dr. Mario Munich, we explored the ethical edges of AI technology. Thanks to our vibrant community of friends, students, and esteemed guests for making it a night of meaningful dialogue and global engagement. 🌍✨

Read more here:

Caltech Y’s Friends Dinner Sparks Discussion on AI Ethics and Global Engagement – Pasadena Now Daily Newsmagazine and City Guide to Pasadena, California featuring local news, breaking news, events, weather, sports news, schools news, shopping, restaurants and more from Pasadena Now

✨A huge shoutout to LEAP for an unforgettable day at Caltech! SOAR High School students were treated to a fascinating campus and lab tour, topped off with an explosive elephant toothpaste demo that wowed everyone. 🔬🐘 Thank you for sparking curiosity and inspiring young minds. Here’s to more adventures in learning! 🎓🔭

🌟 Big Congratulations to Lily DeBell! 🌟

We're proud to share that our own RISE tutor, Lily DeBell, has been named a 2024 Gates Cambridge Scholar! After her graduation this spring, Lily will continue her research at the University of Cambridge. Her dedication and academic excellence are truly inspiring, and this achievement reflects her commitment to making a difference in the world. Cheers to Lily's future endeavors at Cambridge, where she'll undoubtedly continue to shine!

Read more about Lily's story:

Senior Named Gates Scholar Biology undergraduate Lily DeBell will complete a MPhil in biological science at Cambridge University as part of the Gates Cambridge Scholar program.

🌱✨ Meet Hannah Dion-Kirschner, a remarkable Rise tutor and graduate student who found her passion where music meets science! 🎶🔬 Once aiming for a career in classical music, Hannah was captivated by environmental chemistry during her first college year. Her journey from harmonizing notes to understanding nature's symphony has led her to explore how trees and soil microbes combat climate change, connecting her childhood love for a sugar maple tree to her PhD research on Earth's climate solutions.

Read more about Hannah here: https://magazine.caltech.edu/post/socaltech-hannah-dion-kirschner?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=magazine-winter24&utm_source=weekly-newsletter&utm_content=&utm_term=

📅 Join us on Thursday, April 11, 2024, at Beckman Auditorium for Hannah's Science Journey presentation: "How Soil Microbes Help Us Fight Climate Change." This insightful talk is part of the free Science Journeys program, aimed at enlightening middle and high school students about the wonders of science. However, everyone is invited to attend and discover more about our planet's guardians. Please register here: https://events.caltech.edu/calendar/science-journey-microbes-climate-change-hannah-dion-kirschner?utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=science-journeys&utm_source=caltechmagazine&utm_content=&utm_term=

#SoCaltech: Hannah Dion-Kirschner — Caltech Magazine “I arrived at college planning to pursue a career in classical music. In my first year, the only required writing seminar that fit my schedule happened to be about environmental chemistry. I had always loved nature and cared about Earth’s climate, but this was the first time I realized there wer...

🌟 Mark your calendars! 🗓️ Make-A-Difference Day is almost here! Join us on April 6th as we come together to make a positive impact in our community. Whether you're passionate about people, animals, or the great outdoors, there's a volunteer opportunity waiting for you! Let's make a difference together! 💚

Meals, transportation, and even Caltech Y t-shirts & hats provided, thanks to TIAA and Caltech Employees Federal Credit Union! Plus, the UG House with the most volunteers gets $150 for Ditch Day or House events! SIGN UP TODAY AT THIS LINK: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdekiJvwQaLKcWCHm27ohU3SDw3wYypt2mrKiDcra2VZeukOQ/viewform

A huge thank you to TIAA for making last Thursday's Caltech Y Friends Dinner possible! This special evening was a testament to the power of community and the shared vision that brings us all together. Your generous sponsorship allowed us to create an unforgettable experience that celebrated connections, growth, and the enduring spirit of the Caltech Y family. We're deeply appreciative of your support and partnership. 🌟

🎉 Big congratulations to our very own current and former RISE students Vincent Velasco, Mphatso Johnson, and Zoe Sanchez for being awarded the prestigious Posse Scholarship! 🌟 Your hard work, dedication, and passion shine bright. We're so proud of you and excited to see you embark on this incredible journey. Here's to your amazing future ahead. 🚀💫

Read more about these amazing students:

Five PUSD Seniors to Attend College on Full Posse Scholarships – Pasadena Now Daily Newsmagazine and City Guide to Pasadena, California featuring local news, breaking news, events, weather, sports news, schools news, shopping, restaurants and more from Pasadena Now

We're thrilled to invite you to a transformative event in our Student Activism Speaker Series (SASS): "Building a Women's Voting Bloc and a Future Where All Are Equal."

Join us for an enriching lunch discussion led by Zack Mooney, Senior Deputy Director of State Campaigns at Supermajority. They will share invaluable insights into mobilizing a progressive women's voting bloc dedicated to ensuring equality for individuals across the gender spectrum.

📅 Date: Friday, March 1st
⏰ Time: 12:00 to 1:00 PM
📍 Location: To be announced
🍽️ Lunch Provided | 🚀 Spaces Limited | ✉️ RSVP Required at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfONg0GggsQxY-OsS58hm6ayKXvDzxgS1daoEb2qPBhNgAWcg/viewform

Recent research by Supermajority and partners shines a light on a crucial truth: young women are not just hopeful but are ready to harness their collective power for change. Despite facing systemic challenges, there's a widespread belief in the possibility of a more inclusive and equitable future.

✊ This event is a call to unity, offering a space for individuals of all gender identities to come together and discuss actionable steps toward building a more equitable world. Don't miss out on this opportunity for connection and empowerment. RSVP now and join us in this vital movement toward inclusivity and equality.

The Caltech Y invites you to a student-moderated discussion with AI experts and Caltech alumni Karina Edmonds, PhD (MS '93, PhD '98) and Mario Munich, PhD (MS '94, PhD '00). Dr. Karina Montilla Edmonds currently serves as the Senior Vice President and Global Head of Academies and University Alliances at SAP, a multinational software corporation with offices worldwide. Dr. Mario Munich is the Chief Technology Officer at Embodied, Inc. where he manages Research & Development and engineering efforts including hardware, software and manufacturing with a focus on human-robot interaction, natural language processing and artificial intelligence.

To register and to learn more, visit https://www.caltechy.org/events/2024.

Empowering futures through STEM! Since 2006, RISE has been bridging gaps and inspiring hundreds of Pasadena students in math and science. From one-to-one tutoring to innovative programs like the STEAM Summer Experience, RISE is igniting curiosity and confidence in our youth. Together, we're building a brighter tomorrow. 💡 Check out the full article for more inspiring stories!

Learners Connect Across Pasadena Hundreds of Caltech students tutor and mentor local K–12 students, helping them build STEM skills and opportunities. Tutoring helps Caltech students develop community connections and teaching skills.

Thrilled to share moments from our recent adventure with LEAP! 🚀 We had the honor of delivering to the incredible students at SOAR High School in Palm Dale and Van Nuys High School. Each visit was a unique opportunity to engage, inspire, and learn. Stay tuned for more as we continue to leap into action and make a difference!

📢 Join us for an enriching lunch conversation on "How Scientists Can Engage or Work for Congress" with Dr. Alexandra Phillips, our esteemed AAAS Congressional Fellow.

🗓️ Date: Tuesday, February 13th
⏰ Time: 11:30 AM to 12:45 PM
📍 Location: To Be Announced
🍴 Lunch Provided | RSVP Required | Limited Spaces Available

RSVP: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfElVJWcPYvw6Q_4RXUbPaC3g3rqtXuhJple5o6EIc9W3_HZA/viewform

Dive deep into the crucial role scientific research plays in informing legislative decisions and the ways scientists can effectively bridge the communication gap with policymakers. Dr. Phillips, with her rich experience in Climate and Marine Science and as a Science Communication and Policy Officer, will share invaluable insights into engaging in science policy and fellowships in Washington, D.C.

This is a unique opportunity for those interested in understanding the intersection of science and policy, and how to effectively communicate scientific findings to a broad audience. Reserve your spot today and be part of the change!