Lucas Almanza may not know what he wants to be when he grows up, but this 7th-grade student is sure that he wants to make an impact. The 'Speak Up, Speak Out' campaign at Krueger School of Applied Technologies (KSAT) is empowering passionate students like Lucas to leave their mark in the world.
The project-based program challenges students to identify a state or city-wide problem and then research the resources that are needed to try and change that issue. 'Speak Up, Speak Out' is part of an integrated unit for sixth-grade KSAT students. It leads to a statewide competition where students select a problem, generate solutions and make presentations on what they would do to solve that problem.
Lucas who is a seventh-grade student now, participated in the campaign last year. He along with his teammates made it all the way to the capital and presented in front of Texas State Senator, Jose Menendez, District 26.
“This type of campaign is so important because kids need to know that they have a voice too,” said Lucas. “Learning how to solve problems in the community is a way to make a change. Adults are solving our problems now but someday we are going to replace them so we need to know how to do this.”
The launch kicked off with a presentation from Senator, Jose Menendez. He stopped by KSAT on Tuesday, September 10, to inspire students to identify issues, make a plan to solve those issues and use their voice to impact change.
“As your Senator, I am so lucky that I get to speak to you about how your voice can be the spark for change,” said Menendez. “The reason it is important for me to be here talking to you because regardless of what we all set out to do daily, the most essential element of our day should be asking ourselves, ‘How do we prepare the city, this state, this country for a better future for you? Because each of you are the future of San Antonio. Everything that you are learning and doing is preparing you not just for a future for yourself but also for your community.”
At KSAT, learning is enhanced through the experiences and knowledge of business professionals and experts in their field. Whether it be via Skype or in person interaction, students learn the real-life applications for the project as well as preparation for their future workforce endeavors.
“The reason I like what we do as a whole is that it puts kids into a situation that is different and that is unique where they get to hear some different people as well as look at problems from a different standpoint," said Dr. Stephen Watson, Director of KSAT. “You know the whole process causes them to look at specific problems that they have interest in and ultimately create some kind of solution for that problem.”
