Dr. Nilsa Graciani: Part of Something “Bigger” at Esperanza College
Dr. Nilsa Graciani is a champion of science education and service learning in Hunting Park, Philadelphia. Her recent work on STEM programming at Esperanza College of Eastern University helped to establish a new major in Health Sciences, thanks to a $2.75 million Title V grant from the Department of Education.
Dr. Graciani’s partnerships in the STEM field help Esperanza students learn through practical experience. For instance, Spanish speaking medical assisting students have partnered with the Philadelphia Mexican consulate to provide materials on breast cancer prevention for people who wait in the Consulate lobby.
Dr. Graciani, who earned her PhD in Organic Chemistry at Texas A&M University, also teaches her students the value of giving back. Service leadership can make “the student a much more rounded individual,” she says. It helps the student see that they’re part of “something bigger than themselves.”
Overall, Dr. Graciani makes a great effort to provide a story of hope and care to her students. She has kept her students busy this semester: STEM students participated in no less than five events in science education, such as the Creation Station hosted at Esperanza College. Won’t you consider giving a gift to Esperanza College to continue the tradition of excellence Dr. Graciani has built for our Esperanza students?
Reverend Luis Cortes, Jr. Congratulates Esperanza College Spring Graduates
They did it! Esperanza College of Eastern University will hold its Spring College Graduation Ceremony on Friday, May 25, 2018. The Esperanza community will gather to celebrate our most recent graduates of Esperanza College in the Esperanza Center. At our Commencement ceremony, 43 graduates will receive their Associate’s degrees in the areas of Accounting, Business Administration, Criminal Justice, Early Childhood Education, Math, Natural Science, Health Sciences, and Medical Assisting.
The Reverend Luis Cortes, Jr. praised the new Esperanza College graduates. “We are so proud of each one of our 43 graduates this year. They have overcome a list of challenges to get to this point, and I commend them for this accomplishment. We will look forward to their return as successful alumni to cheer on a future class!”
We hope you continue to support Esperanza College and provide the hope of education in our Hunting Park, Philadelphia community and beyond. Congrats to our Grads!
Your Dollar Snapshot: Esperanza College Immersion Science
Esperanza College, in partnership with Fox Chase Cancer Center, is now accepting applications for its Immersion Science program at Esperanza College for Philadelphia area high school students. The “FlyLab” will be located at Esperanza College of Eastern University from June 25-29, with Fox Chase Cancer Center co-hosting.
High schoolers will receive an introduction to basic genetics, observe stages of fruit fly development, engage in experimental analysis, and make connections between diet and health. We hope interested students in the STEM fields and others will join us for a week of fun AND science!
To learn more about the Immersion Science program and how to sign up, visit www.esperanza.eastern.edu.
Esperanza Partnership Spotlight: William Penn Foundation
Esperanza makes a difference in the lives of so many because of the incredible support of our amazing partners. The William Penn Foundation invested in us to help improve early learning experiences for young children in our community. We have recently completed the first year of a two-year grant from the William Penn Foundation, which helps Esperanza College of Eastern University to improve the skills and knowledge of child care workers to make sure that they are well-positioned to help children learn and grow. Thank you again to the William Penn Foundation!