Students to attend National Science conference in D.C.

Two Madera Community College Center students are among 50 students chosen from throughout the U.S. to attend the National Science Foundation-Advanced Technological Education (NSF-ATE) conference set for Oct. 22-25 in Washington, D.C.

Larisa Salenik and Annalicia Arias, both agriculture business students, were selected in a nationwide application process and awarded scholarships for the conference registration and lodging. The conference will include attendees from community colleges, business and industry, secondary school systems, and four-year colleges.

The 24th National ATE Principal Investigators Conference at the Omni Shoreham Hotel is sponsored by the American Association of Community Colleges with support from the NSF. This year’s theme will be “Hands-on Minds-on; Pathways to a Highly Skilled U.S. Workforce” and will focus on issues related to advanced technological education.

“I am very excited to get the opportunity to represent my college and experience this great conference,” said Salenik, a Kerman High School graduate. “I expect to gain more knowledge on how strong industry, community, and academic partnerships in agriculture business benefit from ATE and STEM programs at the community college.”

The students will attend a special recognition breakfast where NSF will laud them for their achievements in ATE programs. The students will also tour the capital, attend a “speed-networking” session with industry, and showcase their projects.

Madera High School graduate Arias said, “I hope to gain more knowledge about the agricultural industry and get tolls and resources I can apply to my own job. I am looking forward to networking and seeing what other schools have to offer.”

Attendance at the ATE conference is part of a NSF grant awarded to MCCC last year. Also attending the conference will be MCCC Dean of Instruction Dr. Ganesan Srinivasan, MCCC instructor Samuel Rodriguez, Sheryl Sisil from Madera Unified School District, and Dr. Srini Konduru, chair of the Agriculture Business Department at Fresno State University.

Madera Community College Center is part of the multi-college State Center Community College District, and a center of Reedley College.