Yesenia Sanchez from Granada High School has been selected from among 700 applicants in the East Bay to participate in a five week Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) academic program on the Stanford University campus beginning this summer.

Six students from Livermore high schools completed applications and took the required mathematics assessment. Of those six, three went on to the interview process, and finally, Sanchez was chosen as a participant for the academy.

“I didn’t really think I would make it. Now that I have, I’m so happy for the opportunity and so many people are congratulating me,” explains Sanchez.

This Summer Math and Science Honors Academy (SMASH) is a three year, five week summer math and science enrichment program where SMASH scholars spend five weeks over three summers beginning after their high school freshman year. They are immersed in rigorous STEM classes on one of the following university campuses – Stanford, UC Berkeley or UCLA. The goals of SMASH are to prepare these excellent students for high academic achievement in their post-secondary experience, to educate students about graduate school opportunities, and to encourage in them a sense of social responsibility through promotion of critical thinking, civic awareness and leadership. The mission of the academy is to prepare students from underrepresented groups to be competitive in STEM focused majors and related studies at top universities.

The scholars will receive year-round academic support including SAT prep, college counseling, financial aid workshops and other activities to ensure continued academic success.

“Yesenia Sanchez is a bright and capable student who is to be commended for her scholarship, perseverance and commitment”, says Melinda Hall, Director of Curriculum and Special Projects. The Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District is honored to be represented by such a gifted and dedicated student.