Stories

Santa Clara University's Summer Engineering Seminar (SES) has once again received national recognition, as it has been selected for the 2025 Inspiring Programs in STEM Award by Insight Into Academia magazine for the fourth consecutive year. SCU will be featured in the magazine’s June edition alongside 51 other institutions working to expand access and excellence in science, technology, engineering, and math. The award highlights SES’s ongoing efforts to support underrepresented students. From historic underrepresented communities in STEM. From a mix of low-income, first-generation women and non-binary individuals, and various ethnic backgrounds. 

For SES alum Caitlyn Gonzalez, the honor comes as no surprise.

Caitlyn was first introduced to SES during her sophomore year at Vacaville High School. Curious about the process of applying to college and eager to explore her academic interests, Caitlyn was introduced to SES by her school counselor and the contagious excitement of Ricardo “Ricky” Padilla Jr., Programs Manager for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in STEM.

“Ricky was a passionate advocate for SES,” Caitlyn recalls. “His unwavering commitment inspired me to apply!”

For Caitlyn, SES stood out for its interactive engineering workshops, hands-on university experience, and strong focus on accessibility. At a time when many summer programs come with a high price tag, SES remains the only one with free residential engineering opportunities available. Backed by Santa Clara University’s Ignatian Center, Inclusive Excellence Division, Miller Center, Undergraduate Admissions, and sponsors like Verizon, Samsung Semiconductor, Southwest Airlines, and Inspector Planet, the program continues to support equity in STEM.

“SES was truly accessible,” Caitlyn says. “It wasn’t just a program—it was a statement that students like me belong in STEM and college.”

The five-day experience was a taste of college life. Students lived in dorms, learned directly from SCU professors, and tackled engineering problems in hands-on sessions designed to create curiosity and confidence. For Caitlyn, the feeling of openness in the learning environment left the biggest impact.

“Everyone was engaging and approachable,” she says. “Students were genuinely encouraged to ask questions, and that made all the difference.”

Now studying Mechanical Engineering at Harvard University, Caitlyn continues to advocate for women in STEM. As a Teen Miss California USA contender, she uses her platform to promote opportunity and inclusion. The friendships and sense of belonging she found through SES remain among her most meaningful high school memories.

"I always remind students—just do it," she responds assuredly. "SES is enjoyable, inspiring, and about real individuals. It transformed my life, and it continues to do the same for so many."

Thanks to Ricky’s thoughtful leadership and Santa Clara University’s continued support, SES has grown into a multi-year program. This year, the program offers two introductory sessions for new students and one advanced session for returning participants, creating more opportunities for engagement and focused exploration of academic interests.

For Caitlyn and many others, SES is more than a summer program; It's a community, a hands-on introduction to STEM, and a springboard for future success.