January 24, 2026 | Tijuana, Mexicohttps://youtu.be/SgZtC-sn-G8
On January 24, 2026, ESC Club successfully hosted a full-day Cross-Border STEM and Cultural Exchange Event at CWB Academy in Tijuana, Mexico, bringing together students and families from diverse backgrounds for a day of learning, creativity, and cultural connection.
The event welcomed more than 80 participants, including students and families from CWB Academy, local maquiladora business families, and neighboring community residents. This diverse participation reflected ESC Club’s ongoing commitment to promoting equitable access to STEM education and fostering multicultural understanding within border communities.
To support this important outreach, ESC Club student members traveled from Northern California to Tijuana to join local volunteers and lead hands-on workshops. Their dedication demonstrated the collaborative and student-driven spirit at the heart of ESC Club’s mission.
Morning Workshops: STEM Meets Culture
The morning program featured three interactive workshops, allowing participants to rotate through hands-on learning experiences that blended technology, creativity, and cultural education:
Chinese Handcraft & Handwriting Workshop
Participants explored traditional Chinese art and calligraphy, learning about cultural symbolism while practicing hands-on techniques.
3D Printing Demonstration
Students and families were introduced to 3D printing technology, learning how digital design transforms into physical objects and how 3D printing is used in fields such as robotics, engineering, and art design.
MIT App Inventor Coding Class
ESC Club members led an introductory coding session using MIT App Inventor, guiding students through the fundamentals of app development and encouraging problem-solving and creativity.
Each workshop received strong engagement and positive feedback, with students actively asking questions and parents expressing appreciation for the accessible and hands-on approach to STEM learning.
Cultural Experience: Rolling Tangyuan Together
During lunchtime, the event transitioned into a shared cultural experience. Participating families learned how to hand-roll traditional Chinese “Tangyuan”, a sweet glutinous rice dessert that symbolizes unity, family togetherness, and harmony.
Families worked side by side—mixing, shaping, and cooking Tangyuan—creating a warm and joyful atmosphere filled with conversation, laughter, and cultural exchange. For many participants, this was their first experience making and tasting this traditional Chinese food, turning the meal into a memorable learning moment beyond the classroom.
UC Riverside Border Youth Research Project / Proyecto de Jóvenes
In addition to the STEM and cultural workshops, ESC Club was honored to bring the UC Riverside Border Youth Research Project / Proyecto de Jóvenes to the event.
Professor Wang from the University of California, Riverside conducted an in-house promotion and introduction of the research project to all attendees. During the session, Professor Wang shared the project’s goals, which focus on understanding the lived experiences, educational challenges, and cross-border realities of youth and families in border communities—particularly those connected to maquiladora industries.
Building Bridges Through Education
This event exemplified ESC Club’s core belief: “Inspired by Humanity, Empowered by Technology.” By combining STEM education with cultural exchange, ESC Club continues to serve as a bridge connecting students, families, and communities across borders.
ESC Club extends sincere thanks to CWB Academy, participating families, local community members, student volunteers, and supporters who made this event possible. We look forward to continuing our cross-border STEM and cultural outreach programs in 2026 and beyond.
