Kelso High School sophomore Angelina Rodriguez-Caldwell has been named a 2024 Washington STEM Rising Star. Rodriguez-Caldwell was selected by Career Connect Southwest and is one of eleven students from across the state receiving Washington STEM’s annual award. She was selected for her involvement in her school’s medical club.
“Angelina has been a huge participant in our Medical Club (ClubMed),” says Kevin Gustafson, a ClubMed advisor and teacher at Kelso High School. “She has participated in and helped lead several of our events where students demonstrated techniques to stop bleeding and how to set IVs, studied and competed in preliminary events for Washington State Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA); and attended the Washington HOSA conference.”
Since 2021, Washington STEM has partnered with ten regional networks to recognize young women from across the state who explore STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) to better themselves and their community.
“We are so proud of Angelina,” said Sheri Walker, Kelso High School Principal. “She has shown great leadership, and this recognition is well deserved. We look forward to watching her grow as a leader at Kelso High.”
"Women make up only 34% of our country's STEM workforce, and that number drops to less than 10% for Black, Indigenous, and Latina women,” says Lynne K. Varner, CEO of Washington STEM. “These disparities fly in the face of numerous studies underscoring diversity as a key factor in business success. The Rising Stars represent a new generation that is closing that gap.”
Awardees are nominated by their schools and selected in partnership with regional networks. They will receive a $500 stipend and be celebrated at Washington STEM’s 2024 Summit luncheon. Visit the Washington STEM website to see the complete list of 2024 Rising Star awardees.
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About Kelso School District
Kelso School District has a goal of 100% (bit.ly/ksd-100) of students graduating high school and having post-secondary plans for college, career, trades, or military. Our mission is to prepare every student for living, learning, and achieving success as a citizen of our changing world. When we asked students and staff what makes Kelso strong, with 45 voices, there was one clear answer (bit.ly/ksd-strong).
About Washington STEM
Washington STEM is a statewide, education nonprofit leveraging STEM for social change, removing barriers to credential attainment, and creating pathways to long-term economic security for historically excluded students. In our state STEM is at the forefront of discovery, on the frontlines of creative 21st century problem-solving, and serves as one of the largest pathways to family-wage careers and long-term economic security. STEM pathways have promise like few others in Washington and it is imperative that students of color, rural students, girls and young women, and students experiencing poverty have access. For more information, go to www.washingtonstem.org.