(Sacramento) –Assemblymember Mike A. Gipson (D-Carson) recognized two outstanding students from Compton Unified School District today on the Assembly floor for winning the Mathematics Engineering Science Achievement’s (MESA) National Engineering Design Competition. Azucena Castro and Jennifer Barrientos, recent graduates from Dominguez High School, took top honors for their prosthetic arm design.
“I am beyond proud of these two young students,” states Gipson. “Not only have they accomplished something truly amazing for themselves, but they have brought a great deal of pride to their community. By winning this competition, they have shown what hard working students with limited resources can accomplish.”
Through programs and competitions, MESA helps thousands of educationally disadvantaged students by providing learning opportunities in the science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields. This year, MESA engineers from 10 states competed to design the most efficient and affordable prosthetic arm. Castro and Barrientos’ winning entry was made of mailing tube, duct tape, rubber bands, a synthetic belt, claw, and eraser - all valued at $25.
“At a time when our public schools are trying to recruit more young women into STEM fields, these two inspiring students have given great encouragement to their peers,” states Gipson. “I want to thank all the instructors and educators who helped them achieve this goal, and wish both of them success in all future endeavors.”
Mike Gipson represents the 64th Assembly District. The district includes the cities of Carson, Compton, Gardena, Harbor Gateway, Lynwood, North Long Beach, Rancho Dominguez, South Los Angeles, Torrance, Watts/Willowbrook and Wilmington.