Novelas Educativas® Launches STEM Film Series that Combines the Phenomenon of Telenovelas and Latest Digital Technology

Burbank, CA – Novelas Educativas® is launching an original STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math) film series to increase Latino family knowledge of STEM careers and the importance of parent involvement with their child’s education – specifically math and science.  The STEM Film series will be delivered in various settings such as classrooms, after school programs, community colleges, and across various media platforms, DVD, Internet, and Television.
 
Although the Latino population has surpassed 50 million, Latino youth continue to be the least educated in terms of completion of a bachelor’s degree – especially in STEM careers. “The Rancho Santiago Community College District is committed to introducing STEM to Latino youth and their families, and to help prepare students for careers in the STEM field. Our partnership with Novelas Educativas® will produce valuable STEM resources to help engage Latino families,” says Dr. Gustavo Chamorro, Director of the Digital Media Center in Santa Ana, CA.
 
Novelas Educativas® uses Entertainment-Education (E-E) strategies and narrative film to connect with families and youth from various economic and social backgrounds. Viewers are hooked on storylines with universal themes and with characters that overcome cultural and language barriers. “For over 30 years, E-E has been one of the most effective strategies and our goal is to continue this effort by producing entertaining and accessible films that address the STEM education gap among Latinos,” says, Miguel Orozco, Co-Founder of Novelas Educativas®.
 
The first STEM film premiered at the LEAD (Latino Education Advocacy Days) Event  at Cal-State University San Bernardino on March 28, 2012.  “LEAD is proud to partner with Novelas Educativas® to address STEM and Latino Family Engagement and to sponsor the premiere screening of Soldando Mi Futuro,” says Dr. Enrique Murillo, Executive Director for LEAD. The STEM film can be viewed here: http://youtu.be/isp5j-dW6lI
 
Novelas Educativas® has produced a second STEM film and will be releasing it in August 2012.  The film contains a powerful message regarding the importance of mathematics in a child’s education and provides an introduction to STEM careers and programs.  The film is based on a true story of a young Latina attending a community college, discovering her passion for math and her journey to becoming a civil engineer.
 
In preparation for future STEM films and partnerships, Novelas Educativas® will be participating in the inaugural U.S. News STEM Solutions Summit in Dallas, TX, June 27-29th.
 
About Novelas Educativas®
Novelas Educativas® partners with community colleges, universities, national foundations, and community-based organizations to produce media resources as part of academic curriculum, classroom instruction, and workshops that address the significant education achievement gap for African Americans and Latinos as identified in President Obama’s Education Plan, disparities in nutrition and childhood obesity, healthcare access, and financial literacy. Over the past three years, Novelas Educativas® has partnered with the Hispanic Scholarship Fund and the Ad Council, as part of the national Parent Engagement Campaign, “Your Words Today.” For more information, visit www.novelaseducativas.com.

Contact Information

Miguel Orozco

Co-Founder

Novelas Educativas®

(1) 818-334-5014

miguel@novelaseducativas.com