The Hispanic Educational Technology Services (HETS) is proud to announce the successful completion of its first Student Passport: Connect, Learn & Lead (Puerto Rico Edition) and 11th edition of the Student Leadership Showcase 2024. This unique initiative and event provided students from HETS member institutions across the United States, Puerto Rico and Latin America with diverse opportunities like explore various academic environments, engage in enriching presentations, and participate in leadership workshops.
During the Student Passport, from September 2 to 6, 2024, a total of 27 students from various HETS member institutions in California, New York and Colombia participated in this immersive experience. Students engaged in a series of academic experiences, enriching presentations, and workshops. They proudly showcased their projects before their peers, academicians, and administrators, highlighting the use of technology in different fields, such as health, climate change, financial literacy, commercialization, virtual reality, among others. They also had the opportunity to participate in the HETS’ Student Leadership Showcase and The Summ: Student Experience Summit.
Student shared their excitement sharing that The HETS Student Passport program was an eye-opening experience and has broadened their perspective on higher education and their future career and feel more prepared and inspired to take on leadership roles in their communities.
Also, some of the administrators who came with the students expressed that hosting the students and witnessing their enthusiasm and engagement was truly rewarding and consider that this initiative not only broadens their academic horizons but also fosters a sense of community and collaboration.
As part of the Student Passport initiative, a HETS Member Institutions Catalog was created and launched to promote student mobility and collaboration among its member institutions interested in establishing collaborative agreements that foster new mobility opportunities. The catalog provided the institution’s summary and links to more information. Click here to access it: HETS Member Institutions Catalog.
HETS remains committed to providing unique opportunities for students to connect, learn, and lead. Soon we will be sharing the Student Passport participants interviews and videos of the academic experiences at the member institutions visited and evaluating the feedback of the participants with the aim of expanding the reach and impact of this initiative.
On the other hand, HETS hosted the 11th edition of the Student Leadership Showcase 2024 (SLS) at The Summ: Student Experience Summit, on Friday, September 6 at the Puerto Rico Convention Center. This hybrid with simultaneous translation event brought together more than 500 students, educators, and administrators from HETS member institutions in Puerto Rico, the U.S. and Latin América.
The showcase featured a panel discussion on trends in the job marketplace led by Dr. José “Joe” Díaz, Dr. Marcos A. Vélez Rivera, Attorney Julybeth Alicea Rodríguez, and Professor Gali Galarza. These sessions provided students with invaluable insights into various career paths and the skills needed to succeed in today’s competitive landscape. Likewise, two students shared innovative projects.
Also, students benefited from the alliance with The Summ by participating in interactive and immersive experiences that simulate real work environments and have access to pavilions and exhibitors from higher education institutions.
To conclude the SLS 2024 agenda, participants entered a raffle to win a 2-night, 3-day stays, as well as gift certificates for shopping or dining at various restaurants, among other prizes, thanks to the generous support of Claro PR, Aloft Hotel, the Condado Plaza Hotel, The Hilton Garden Inn Hotel, Sheraton Hotel, Plaza Las Américas, Chili’s, Macaroni & Grill, P.F. Chang’s, Caribbean Cinemas, Poskón, and Café Yaucono, and our corporate partners: American Heart Association, Anthology, COBIMET, EDUTECHLoft, Miami EdTech, ETS, inQmatic, CampusCare, Teach Access, Territorium, and UPlanner. Their commitment to education and leadership development is instrumental in providing these valuable opportunities for students.
Enjoy a recap video highlighting the event’s best moments by visiting HETS YouTube channel.
For more information about the HETS events and initiatives please visit hets.org, send a message to info@hets.org, or call 787-250-1912 x2372 / 2373.