Google promotes STEM education within the Latina community

Priscilla Zambrano and her 14-year-old daughter Savanah are carrying on a family tradition.

"She was in this program before me and she had a really great time with her mom so she wanted to have the same experience with me," said Savanah.

They’re both apart of a non-profit organization. 

"Growing up my mother was an immigrant American she spoke Spanish and very little English. Growing up I was the translator for her. I think having access to a place where she can use herself and being able to speak Spanish with the community and see other Spanish speaking mother and daughters is a real gift. I think mothers would benefit from this," said Zambrano.

The organization has been around for 25 years and is growing. With the help of Google they were able to fund a technology center that provides internet and computer access to students and their mothers.

Saturday they held an open house and gave tours of the new lab.

"Being able to present your ideas through computer that's something I didn't have growing up. I know that would have advanced my ability in whatever I had going on in school. It even gives students practice because in college that's what you need," said Zambrano.

Mothers will have the opportunity to use the lab to apply for jobs or create resumes. Spanish speaking translators will be available to provide them assistance if needed.

Students will have the opportunity to apply for school scholarships and work on school work.

Executive Director Teresa Granillo said it can be scary for mothers especially when they don’t know or understand the educational process.

"We support mom and say mom your daughter is going to go on this path and I know you are scared because you didn't go down that path and you have all these questions but we are going to be here to answer those questions and hold your hand and bring your daughters hand and your hand together and support you guys the entire way,"

Granillo said she didn't have an organization like this when she was going through school but wishes she did.

"I was like those girls. My mom and I were these mother daughter teams, single parent house hold my mom didn't have an education. We were just trying to figure it out my mom wanted what was best for me. She knew what stood in her way was not having an education and she knew that's what she wanted for me but we didn't know what to do or how to do it, “said Granillo.

The lab is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.