Si Se Puede Foundation: STEM & Community Impact In Arizona & Beyond
Can a single organization truly transform a community, fostering innovation and empowerment? The Si Se Puede Foundation, born in Chandler, Arizona, in 2016, has done just that, proving that dedication, vision, and community focus can create opportunities where they might not otherwise exist.
The foundation's roots in Chandler, Arizona, stretch back to 2016 with the establishment of Degrees of Freedom. This initiative, however, quickly transcended its robotic origins, prioritizing community service and demonstrating a broader commitment to the well-being of those it serves. Through a dynamic blend of workshops, engaging summer camps, and active mentorship programs, Degrees of Freedom has made a tangible difference. Its impact on the community is undeniable, leaving a lasting impression on the lives of countless individuals.
The Si Se Puede Foundation's mission extends beyond immediate programs. Their core values encompass a deep-seated passion for creating opportunities through scholarships, specifically targeting individuals who have demonstrated resilience and determination in pursuit of their dreams. They believe that supporting the next generation of leaders is crucial.
The Si Se Puede Foundation is a beacon, a prevention and advocacy program, that diligently empowers its participants to become active stakeholders within their communities. This youth-centric foundation strategically employs three core service components to fulfill its mission effectively.
The heart of the Si Se Puede Foundation beats with innovation. Theyve established a dedicated women's robotics team, focused on the complex task of designing and developing autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). This team is not just building robots; theyre competing on an international stage. They regularly participate in Robonation's prestigious International RoboSub Competition, an annual event held in San Diego, CA. This dedication to hands-on learning and practical application showcases a commitment to fostering future leaders in STEM fields.
Beyond its work in Chandler, the foundation mirrors the mission of the Cesar Chavez Foundation. The Chavez Foundation is dedicated to continuing Cesar's life's work of uplifting Latinos and working families by inspiring and transforming communities through social enterprises. The Si Se Puede Foundation is deeply rooted in social responsibility, focusing on programs for community upliftment.
Alberto Esparza founded the Si Se Puede Foundation in 1993, marking a pivotal moment in the foundation's history. His vision has helped build a foundation that provides STEM-focused programs, but in December 2021, he retired to pursue other ventures, including the I Rise Foundation. The I Rise Foundation continues to provide STEM programs to girls of color, Native American youth, and support LGBTQ+ initiatives, proving Esparza's lasting impact on promoting a more diverse future.
The foundation offers a wide array of STEM programs for underserved students. These programs are provided to students from grade school through college. Programs like SeaPerch, NURC, Lego Robotics, and First Robotics are at the heart of Si Se Puedes approach to providing education and opportunity.
Si Se Puede Foundation, located in Chandler, Arizona, is more than an organization; it is a community hub. They have more than 2,380 likes on social media with active engagement.
The organization became incorporated as a 501(c) in 1993, highlighting their commitment to operational efficiency and community service.
The Si Se Puede Foundations work is also focused on empowering communities. The foundation believes that a strong community helps families, children, and individuals. They prioritize STEM education, community activities, and recreational offerings for youth.
The Si Se Puede Foundation understands that education is a key to unlocking potential. Their approach encourages students to engage with experiences in their community beyond what the traditional school system provides.
The Si Se Puede Foundation is a community bridge builder and leader in providing educational opportunities. Their mission is to empower and support those who need it the most.
In a truly remarkable demonstration of their impact, the Si Se Puede Foundation, this past Saturday, hosted its third annual Jeep Hack. This event, held at the Si Se Puede STEM Center in Chandler, Arizona, proved to be transformative for children with mobility limitations. Partnering with Magical Motors, they provided five local children with mobility-assisted electric toy Jeeps, giving them a sense of independence and the joy of movement.
The Si Se Puede Foundation supports the Desert Wave team. Desert Wave is a womens autonomous vehicle engineering team to help bridge the STEM gap for women. Their mission is to create a supportive and engaging environment for women in engineering. This is the foundations goal, and they work every day to make that dream a reality.
The Si Se Puede Foundation, in the spirit of Cesar Chavez, encourages its members to lead the change they wish to see in the world. They believe in providing opportunity and empowering people, and the UFW has created a four-year Si Se Puede! scholarship program, awarding scholarships to deserving students.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Si Se Puede Foundation |
| Founded | 1993 by Alberto Esparza, Degrees of Freedom founded in 2016 |
| Location | Chandler, Arizona |
| Mission | To provide educational opportunities, support community development, and empower underserved populations, particularly in STEM fields. |
| Key Programs | STEM education (SeaPerch, NURC, Lego Robotics, First Robotics), Scholarships, Community Activities & Advocacy, Recreational Activities for Youth, Women's Robotics Team (Desert Wave), Jeep Hack |
| Focus Areas | STEM education, Community building, Advocacy, Youth empowerment |
| Partnerships | Arizona State University, Magical Motors, Cesar Chavez Foundation |
| Notable Events | Annual RoboSub Competition participation, Jeep Hack (mobility assistance for children), STEM workshops and camps |
| Website (for reference) | Sisepuedefoundation.org |
