HETS successfully hosted a third Student Passport: Connect, Learn, & Lead Edition in Puerto Rico, providing 17 students from HETS member institutions in the United States and Colombia, with an immersive educational and leadership program. Through academic experiences, interactive activities, and networking opportunities, participants engaged with eight leading institutions from Puerto Rico to expand their knowledge and career prospects. The institutions were the following: (1) University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras, Ponce, Mayaguez, and Utuado Campus, (2) Pontifical Catholic University of PR, Ponce Campus, (3) Inter American University in Ponce, San Germán and Arecibo Campus, (4) ICPR Junior College in Mayaguez, (5) Albizu University, Mayaguez Campus, (6) EDP University in San Sebastian, (7) Atenas University, and (8) Universidad Ana G. Méndez, Caroli na Campus. The initiative took place in the south and west sides of Puerto Rico, further solidifying HETS’ commitment to fostering student mobility and academic excellence.
Throughout the program, students explored innovative learning environments and showcased their innovative projects and engaged in thought-provoking discussions on technology’s impact across all academic disciplines. Also, these experiences enhanced students’ understanding of diverse academic and professional environments while also experiencing Puerto Rico’s rich culture, visiting iconic landmarks at the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus and engaging with history in San Germán and La Botíca museums after its visit to Inter American University San Germán Campus. An overview of the Student Passport PR Edition will be shared at the SCHEDULE link, including photos and recordings at each visit.
Participating students of this Student Passport PR Edition shared that this program has been invaluable in broadening their academic and professional aspirations, given them insight into their future career path. Thanks to the collaboration of EDP University, San Sebastian Campus Multimedia Center staff, some of the participants from HETS member institutions from the United States and Colombia were interviewed to get their feedback about the activities of the Student Passport Program. All interviews and some social media coverage will be available soon at: Interviews & Reviews.
Dr. Yubelkys Montalvo, HETS Executive Director, celebrated the program’s success: “Seeing students engage, learn, and build connections with institutions in Puerto Rico, reinforces the impact of the Student Passport initiative. We are committed to expanding these opportunities and fostering student mobility and leadership development and invite you to stay tune for the Student Passport fourth edition announcement.”
As HETS continues its mission of supporting Hispanic and all student success, plans are already underway for future editions of the Student Passport program. This initiative was possible through the collaboration and support of HETS’ participating institutions and the sponsorship of Miami EdTech, and our member institutions in Puerto Rico, especially EDP University, which sponsored the ground transportation.
