A Day of Discovery: Reality Changers Students at the Symposium

A group of students from Reality Changers recently spent a day exploring STEM careers at the 2025 ABET Symposium, where they got an up-close and personal look at how science and engineering come to life beyond the classroom. Reality Changers partnered with ABET to give participants meaningful exposure to real professionals and hands-on experiences in the STEM fields. For many, it was their first glimpse of how education, innovation, and mentorship can open doors to a future they hadn’t yet imagined.

The visit gave students the chance to connect directly with engineers, educators, and industry leaders who shared personal insights about their own career paths. By the end of the day, many left feeling inspired and more confident about pursuing college majors and careers that align with their interests in science and technology.

Why STEM Exposure Matters for Future Professionals

Getting students involved in science, technology, engineering, and math early on can spark interests that last a lifetime. When young people see how STEM connects to everyday life, they’re more likely to stay curious, pursue higher education, and take advantage of opportunities like scholarships for STEM students. These experiences also help build confidence and teach problem-solving in practical, hands-on ways. For first-generation and underrepresented students, exposure to STEM can be especially meaningful—it helps them picture themselves in those careers and realize that a future in these fields is within reach.

What Students Experienced: Behind-the-Scenes, Panels & Networking

At the 2025 ABET Symposium, students from Reality Changers spent the day exploring STEM careers through interactive events, behind-the-scenes tours, and conversations with professionals. They joined panel discussions, watched how the symposium’s production team worked, and connected with ABET Volunteer Experts who shared real insights about their own paths in science and engineering. Between the sessions and informal meetups, students saw what STEM looks like beyond the classroom and how their education can open doors to future opportunities.

Turning Inspiration into Action: How These Moments Shape Careers

The ABET Symposium offered students a real look at where curiosity can lead. Conversations with each ABET volunteer helped them connect classroom learning to future goals, showing how small moments of encouragement can spark big ambitions. Many walked away thinking differently about college, internships, and the kinds of careers they might pursue. Experiences like this remind students that they don’t have to wait to start building the future they imagine. The symposium left many participants with a deeper sense of confidence and belonging, reinforcing the idea that there is space for them in STEM and that their voices and perspectives matter in these fields.

How Reality Changers Prepares Students for Opportunities Like This

Reality Changers gives students the tools and confidence to take full advantage of career exploration experiences like the ABET Symposium. Before events, they join workshops and readiness sessions that teach them how to network, ask questions, and present themselves with confidence. The program also helps connect students with STEM scholarships for high school students, internships, and other resources that make college more accessible. By involving parents every step of the way, Reality Changers builds a strong support system that helps students turn preparation into opportunity.

STEM Student Spotlights

Reality Changers students continue to make their mark in higher education and beyond. These stories from program alumni highlight how mentorship, opportunity, and perseverance help first-generation students keep exploring STEM careers and shaping their futures.

Meet Daniel

Daniel transferred to UC Irvine to study genetics after earning his associate’s degree at MiraCosta College. He first joined Reality Changers as a high school senior looking for guidance with college applications and found a lasting community of support. 

Through career-readiness workshops, he discovered Project Onramp, which led to a competitive internship at Takeda Pharmaceuticals. There, he worked on clinical trial data and learned how research and collaboration come together in a global setting. Daniel credits Reality Changers with helping him build confidence, professional skills, and connections that continue to guide his path forward.

Meet Christine

Christine, now a civil and environmental engineering student at UCLA, joined Reality Changers during her senior year of high school. With encouragement from her mentor, she applied to her dream school and was thrilled to be accepted. 

College brought challenges, but she found community and experience through student groups like the American Society of Civil Engineers and Bruin Builders. These opportunities have strengthened her independence and problem-solving skills. Christine continues to stay involved with Reality Changers through workshops that help her prepare for internships and life after graduation.

What You Can Do: Getting STEM Ready Today

You don’t have to wait until college to dive into science, technology, engineering, and math. Exploring STEM careers early helps students discover their interests, build confidence, and develop problem-solving skills that will serve them for life. 

Programs like Reality Changers make that possible through mentorship, academic support, and real-world learning experiences. Students connect with professionals, take part in hands-on projects, and gain the tools they need to plan for the future. 

If you’re ready to start—or you’re a parent eager to support your child’s goals—now is the perfect time to apply to Reality Changers and start building a foundation for future success.

Looking Ahead: Next Steps for STEM Exploration and Career Planning

Building a career in science, technology, engineering, or math takes time, curiosity, and guidance. Reality Changers helps students stay on track by offering mentorship, career planning support, and connections that last well beyond high school. Through ongoing workshops and alumni programs, participants learn how to find internships, research roles, and scholarships for STEM students that fit their goals.

Our program also links students to resources such as college STEM clubs, professional networks, workplace visits, and local events where they can meet people working in the field. Such experiences show how classroom lessons translate into real-world opportunities. Students are encouraged to keep exploring, ask questions, and take advantage of every chance to grow their skills. 

With continued support from Reality Changers and its community partners, young people can move forward with confidence—ready to build careers that make a difference in their lives and in the world around them.