Erika Tatiana Camacho Inspires at UTSA’s Day of Discovery for Middle School Families

Day of Discovery: UTSA Empowers Families with College and Career Readiness

On April 11, 2025, the UTSA Main Campus was abuzz with activity as over 200 middle school students and their families gathered for an inspiring event called Day of Discovery. This interactive program was thoughtfully designed to ignite curiosity among young learners while introducing them to diverse career pathways. The event offered a variety of engaging activities to achieve its goals. For instance, attendees participated in hands-on sessions, which provided practical insights into different fields and encouraged experiential learning. Furthermore, informative presentations offered valuable guidance on academic and career opportunities. Complementing these sessions were campus tours that enabled families to gain firsthand exposure to university life, fostering a deeper understanding of higher education and its transformative potential.

Notably, UTSA has been hosting family-focused events for over a decade, striving to cultivate a college-going culture in San Antonio. Formerly known as Family Summit and held at the Downtown Campus, this year’s rebranded and relocated Day of Discovery emphasised career exploration, reflecting the institution's evolving priorities. Adding inspiration to the event, Erika Tatiana Camacho—a UTSA professor and endowed chair—delivered a moving keynote. As a first-generation college graduate who has risen to prominence as a mathematical biologist, Camacho shared a heartfelt message about perseverance, dreaming big, and the life-changing impact of education. Her words resonated deeply with students and families, serving as a powerful testament to the possibilities unlocked by learning.

Throughout the day, families engaged in interactive sessions spanning multiple disciplines, including art and engineering. These sessions showcased how education can align with career aspirations, offering an invaluable opportunity to connect with UTSA faculty and students. Moreover, a resource fair provided crucial support services and information, enabling attendees to better navigate college and career readiness. Taylor Cole, UTSA’s assistant director of community outreach, emphasised the importance of empowering middle school families with resources, particularly as students prepare to choose high school endorsement pathways.

The event’s success was amplified through UTSA's partnerships with various organisations, such as Communities in Schools, Northeast ISD, the Military Child Education Coalition, Alamo Colleges, and Education Service Centre-Region 20. H-E-B supported the event by offering lunch, tote bags, giveaways, and gift cards to attendees, further enhancing the welcoming atmosphere.

Organised by UTSA’s Office of Community Outreach and Transfer Recruitment, Day of Discovery aligns perfectly with the university’s mission of expanding access to higher education. UTSA continues to promote college readiness through initiatives like the Mobile Go Centre, Roadrunner for a Day, and classroom presentations, which are available throughout the year. Recognised as a national leader in social mobility, UTSA is unwavering in its commitment to enhancing educational access and creating economic opportunities for students. Since 2015, it has held the prestigious Carnegie Community Engagement Classification, signifying its strong community focus and dedication to workforce development. The Day of Discovery successfully demonstrated UTSA’s enduring efforts to inspire, educate, and connect with the community through innovative and impactful initiatives.

Editor’s Note:

At the heart of the Day of Discovery event lies a commitment to inspiring young minds and fostering curiosity about higher education and career possibilities. Through interactive sessions, engaging activities, and meaningful connections with UTSA faculty and students, this initiative embodies the university's dedication to supporting middle school students and their families as they navigate academic and professional pathways. Day of Discovery serves as a gateway to educational awareness and strengthens community ties, ensuring that opportunities for success are within reach for all participants. Additionally, the event highlights UTSA’s broader mission of increasing educational access and economic mobility. With a legacy of organising impactful initiatives and strong collaborations with community organisations, UTSA continues to lead as a national figure in social mobility.  

Skoobuzz believes that the success of Day of Discovery reflects the university’s unwavering focus on empowering students and families, showcasing its dedication to workforce development and its profound impact on the future of education.