06/20/2026
RISING STARS + NATIVE SOAR
The Rising Stars H-STEM Summer Camp at the Pascua Yaqui Tribe (PYT) Guadalupe Education Center was an incredible week filled with learning, discovery, culture, and fun.
In collaboration, Joanna (Rising Stars coordinator) and Myrhea (Native SOAR coordinator) began each day with icebreakers and hands on activities that helped the students build connections, strengthen teamwork, and celebrate their shared heritage.
The week long program kicked off with curriculum designed to engage our 6th–12th grade participants, while discovering educational interests and future goals. Throughout the week, our student leaders stepped into the roles of:
• environmental scientists by designing and building their own water filtration systems,
• public health advocates as they created healthy meal plans, calculated calorie intake, and examined mock patient blood samples to identify characteristics of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes
• Indigenous food scientists through the harvest of nopales—a traditional and nutritious food known for its health benefits.
• Indigenous engineers and architects as they put their creativity and problem-solving skills to the test during a marshmallow tower challenge and catapult launching activity.
Students also received a special visit from a Pascua Yaqui Youth Council representative who inspired them to become leaders and active voices in their community and beyond.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Pascua Yaqui Guadalupe Education Center team for providing meals, supporting activities and lessons, and warmly welcoming us into their community. Together, we are one Indigenous Nation, working hand in hand to encourage, empower, and prepare the next generation of Indigenous leaders, innovators, and changemakers.
