Posted April 23, 2025 — What if college did not have to be a ‘what-if?’ Thousands of students across our communities go through K-12 education thinking that college will never be accessible to them. The ACES Institute aims to change that narrative by providing students with interactive on-campus experiences that bridge the gap between students and higher education.

On March 28, 2025, the ACES Institute, UH STEM Center, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics (NSM) and Cullen College of Engineering hosted the annual Day of Discovery. This career event, made possible by the continued support of the Rockwell Fund, brought together around 100 students from partner schools for a day filled with hands-on activities designed to promote science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) careers requiring a four-year degree.

The event featured a myriad of activities, including laboratory experiments, engineering challenges, physics demonstrations, and design challenges. Students had the opportunity to engage directly with university faculty and current students, gaining valuable insights into the world of higher education and the possibilities it holds.

Dr. Teranda Donatto, Program Director for Community Engagement and Outreach at the ACES Institute, who led the planning and execution of the event with our partners at UH's STEM Center, emphasized the importance of this initiative: “The Day of Discovery exposes students to STEM careers that they may have never considered. More importantly, it gets them onto UH's campus. Nearly 40% of the students had never visited the campus before. This experience gives them an idea of what UH is like, and it can open up college as an option for their futures.”

Cougar Tutors led the way between activities and introduced students to life on the UH campus. Cougar Tutors that are part of ACES’s Middle School Postsecondary Readiness Project are not only academic coaches but also mentors guiding students on the pathway to college. As they facilitated the transition between buildings, Cougar Tutors shared their favorite campus memories, pointed out landmarks, and helped students feel closer to a place that can seem far away: college.

The collaboration between the ACES Institute, UH STEM Center, NSM and the Cullen College of Engineering was instrumental in making this event a success. Their combined efforts ensured that students received a comprehensive and engaging experience, highlighting the diverse opportunities available in STEM fields.
The ACES Institute is committed to continuing its efforts to make higher education accessible to all students. Join us in our mission by supporting or spreading the word about our programs. Together, we can make college a reality for every student.

— By Raul Rosa Negron