Northeastern Illinois University’s Center for College Access and Success

This Juneteenth, we commemorate the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and reflect on the importance of freedom, opportunity, and inclusion. We honor the contributions, achievements, and resilience of Black communities throughout history and today.

Repost from Aaron Cortes Minor TRIO Upward Bound at NEIU

Repost From: @aaroncortesminor Thrilled to have represented Northeastern Illinois University at the World Creative Conference 2026, hosted at Seoul National University in South Korea. It was an absolute honor to share our research through two presentations and to serve as the Session Chair for our block of presentations. “The High-Touch Tech: Leveraging AI to Enhance Institution and Student Success” and “STEM Without Borders: A Framework for Collaborative Student Programs Abroad” These presentations provide the platform to highlight the vital work we are doing at NEIU regarding STEAM outreach. We are deeply committed to moving the needle for first-generation, college-bound student enrollment and long-term success. Focusing on research-based academic supports, access to STEM immersions that are culturally relevancy, inclusive short-term study abroad experiences and innovative AI technologies, we are creating frameworks that empower students. Beyond the presentations, the global networking was incredibly rewarding. I want to extend a sincere thank you to Dr. Lee Mingu from the College of Education at Seoul National University. Thank you, Dr. Lee, for the insightful conversations about our potential future collaborations and for generously sharing your fascinating work with FTC robotics during your session. We have so many amazing opportunities with FTC in our very own TRIO Upward Bound High Schools. Finally, my deepest gratitude goes out to the World Creative Conference selection committee for accepting our research proposals and facilitating such an inspiring, seamlessly run event. Bringing these global insights back home to continue championing equity, innovation, and global access! #WorldCreativeConference #SeoulNationalUniversity #HigherEducation #FirstGenSuccess #steameducation @neiuccas @neiulife @ub_neiu @hacunews @fulbrightassociation @hispanic_federation

Repost from Aaron Cortes Minor TRIO Upward Bound at NEIU

Great job STEM scholars.

Global STEM in action! We are absolutely thrilled to share the incredible success of the culmination event for our “Underwater Robotics Workshop” right here in Barranquilla, Colombia! 🇨🇴 This initiative brought together the brilliant minds of Northeastern Illinois University’s TRIO Upward Bound, 21st CCLC, and CREAR FUTUROS students. Over the course of the 4 day workshop, our STEM Scholars led these young innovators into engineering, physics, and teamwork—designing, building, and testing underwater remotely operated vehicles (ROVs). Seeing their dedication turn into real-world, functional technology was nothing short of inspiring. An impact like this requires a village, and we are profoundly grateful to our incredible local partners who made this vision a reality. A Special Thank You To: Fundación Tecnoglass: Thank you for your unwavering commitment to educational equity and for investing so deeply in the next generation of technology leaders. Your support amplifies what these students can achieve. Institución Educativa Técnica Evelyn Abuchaibe de Daes: Thank you for opening your doors, hosting this unforgettable event, and fostering an environment where curiosity, collaboration, and community thrive. Finally, special recognition to @ing.maryaragon and @f2b09 for being committed partners in Colombia this last 4 years. Programs like these prove that when we remove geographical boundaries and provide students with hands-on STEM opportunities, the possibilities are limitless. The future of robotics and global innovation is bright, and it’s being shaped by these incredible students! #STEMEducation #UnderwaterRobotics #TRIO #21stCCLC CrearFuturos @ub_neiu @21stcclc @neiulife @neiuccas @hacunews @hispanic_federation @seaperch @iedevelynabuchaibededaes @fundaciontecnoglass @zonacerooficial @fulbrightassociation @fulbrightcolombia @feascholarships

Repost from Aaron Cortes Minor TRIO Upward Bound at NEIU

STEAM Global Academy in Barranquilla, Colombia

Passport to Leadership: Exploring STEAM in Barranquilla & Cartagena From O’Hare to the vibrant coastal streets of Barranquilla and Cartagena, our TRIO Upward Bound scholars and our CREAR Futuros mentors officially took their STEAM education global! 🇨🇴✈️ This immersion program was a hands-on dive into coastal marine systems, historic engineering, and rich cultural heritage. Watch our future leaders step out of the classroom and onto the global stage! 🌎 Huge shoutouts to Ryan Cassell filmmaker for the production and storytelling. #TRIOUpwardBound #NEIU #GlobalSTEAM #StudyAbroad #FutureLeaders Colombia STEM @ub_neiu @neiuccas @neiulife @hacunews @hispanic_federation @nafsagram @fulbrightassociation @feascholarships

Pride Month is a time to celebrate the strength, resilience, and contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals and communities. Together, we can build a world where everyone feels seen, valued, and respected.

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Our shirts ready for our STEAM Global STEM Leadership Academy taking place next week in Barranquilla, Colombia. Congrats to all the student STEAM Scholars that are going on this trip.

Safe travels.
TRIO Upward Bound at NEIU

We just finished a workshop for 50 7th graders from our local neighborhood school Reilly Elementary visiting today. They choose to do our popular Make and Take Tote bag activity.

School groups, If you are planning a college tour to NEIU El Centro remember to request an art activity as part of. your tour experience.

Everyone did an amazing job,

Northeastern Illinois University- El Centro

Repost from Aaron Cortes Minor TRIO Upward Bound at NEIU

From building underwater robots to mastering Spanish in one of Europe’s most historic cities... we officially did it all! 🇪🇸 We just wrapped up the ultimate adventure in Salamanca, Spain, and we’re still buzzing from how incredible this trip was. Here’s how we finished strong: The ROVs Take the Plunge!We took over the pool for the final test phase of our “Underwater ROV project”. After weeks of engineering, seeing these custom-built robots crush it in the water was the absolute best feeling. Linguistic Triumph at UPSA! We didn’t just build bots—we leveled up our language skills too! Every student crushed an intensive Spanish course at the breathtaking Universidad Pontificia de Salamanca”. Standing in that sun-drenched Claustro patio and holding our official completion certificates under that majestic historic mural felt like stepping into a movie. A massive thank you to our brilliant students, amazing instructors, and everyone at UPSA who made this perfect mix of STEM innovation and cultural immersion unforgettable. Salamanca, you have our hearts! We want to also thank @chipubschools and @morton201 for trusting us to offer high level academic and cultural immersion to our students. These are collaborations that are transformative. Lastly, none of this would have occurred without the engagement of Northeastern Illinois University as an HSI with Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) during our participation in the educator language immersion last year in Salamanca, Spain. Which vibe are you choosing: Let us know in the comments! #Salamanca #StudyAbroad #UnderwaterROV #Robotics UPSA SpainTravel STEM LearnSpanish GlobalAdventures ProudMoment EngineersWhoTravel CulturalImmersion @neiulife @neiuccas @ub_neiu @21stcclc @morton201 @chipubschools @cpsstem @hacunews @seaperch @ole_upsa