SWENext Returns to create new STEM Opportunities

By Andrea Alvarado

Staff Writer

After being inactive for many years SWENext is making its way back to SOAR’S campus. The club who previously gave students an opportunity to explore STEM is now being reimagined with a new group of leaders. 

SWENext is a program of the Society of Women Engineers that aims to introduce students to STEM Fields through activities, events, and career opportunities. Although the club was active at the school a few years ago, it was eventually discontinued; now students are working hard to help bring it back and create more opportunities for students who are interested in career fields in STEM.

“The main inspiration that led to us to restart this club is that we want to bring in women who are interested in the STEM field, mainly engineering.  We want to create a space where they can express their ideas freely, since being in a male dominated field can feel frightening,” said senior Daisy Gonzalez, the co-founder and current vice president.

The club plans to give students the chance to be exposed to hands-on activities, learn more about STEM careers, connect with other students who are interested in similar fields, and have the opportunity to participate in guest speaker workshops. 

The club’s president and cofounder Kaiya Jones recommends students join if they know they want to be involved in STEM but unsure of which path to take. 

“Even if students do not choose engineering, they can still get a feel of what they maybe want to do and still get a chance to build and interact with their peers,” Jones said. 

The club hopes to bring a welcoming environment to students who are looking to explore careers and interests outside of what they are being taught in the classroom. SWENext hopes to help those who already have an interest in engineering as well as to those who are curious about engineering and have little to no experience.

  After several years, SWENext is ready to begin a new chapter, this time with a new group of students.