Recap: Girls Take Flight Drone Camp
In the 2025 Girls Take Flight spring drone camp, 37 high school girls participated. They learned an intensive understanding of autonomous and piloted drone operation, career options, the basic rules governing the use of drones.
They also were introduced to the drone industry with guest speakers including Desi Ekstein, UAS Instructor, Drone Coach and Aerial Preservationist, Shellie Baxter of Our Genetic Legacy, Christine Asaro, SDG&E Project Advisor for UAS & Electric Distribution, Rosanne Denton of SHE-Drones and Drone Instructor at Grossmont College, and Fernando Melendez Vasquez, Marine Biologist at Scripps Oceanography.
Participants expressed an increased interest in drones, surprise at how many industries use drones, and an appreciation for the guest speakers. Al students reported that the camp game them opportunities that they otherwise wouldn’t have had. A sampling of their comments is below.
“One thing I learned this week that surprised me was how drones can really be implemented in many professional areas such as rescue missions, preserving wildlife, collecting data, making 3-D models, and so much more.”
“Not only did the camp teach us how to fly drones manually as well as coding but it taught us how to work together as a group. There was a lot of team bonding activities and overall just positive attitudes which made it fun to come.”
“Ms. Desi stood out to me because she was very vibrant. Her vibe and personality itself was fun and encouraged me to look more into drones.”
The 2025 cohort is co-led by Shyanne Smith and Luxary Crisostomo, both of whom have supported the program in previous years. Shyanne returned as a drone instructor in 2022. Luxary returned as a drone instructor for Girls Take Flight in 2024. Desi Ekstein will continue to act as Lead Drone Instructor during the full practicum.
Girls Take Flight 2025 is provided through funding from the following sponsors:
San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) – BAE Systems – David C. Copley Foundation – PNC Foundation – Macy’s – General Atomics Aeronautical Systems – Alaska Airlines – The Kinship Fund – US Bank Foundation – Farrell Family Foundation – and the Guenther Foundation.
Vertex Pharmaceuticals Supports San Diego Teens
Role models play a vital part in engaging youth with STEM careers, which is why we collaborate with businesses that also recognize this need. Vertex Pharmaceuticals, a Boston-based biotech company with a San Diego Research Site, has been a longtime supporter of EIS.
On March 11th, several Vertex scientists, and an engineer, volunteered their time at the Sci Talks event to talk about rewarding careers in life sciences. They shared their experiences about overcoming challenges in college and securing their positions at Vertex. They also discussed their roles at the company, highlighting both their favorite and most challenging aspects.
High school students from five local schools—Lincoln, Morse, Crawford, Chula Vista High, and Gompers—participated in the event. They were highly engaged, asking insightful questions about careers at Vertex and potential opportunities for their own futures.
EIS staff helped to facilitate the discussions. Thank you Baltazar, John, Luxary, and Shyanne. And as always, thank you to the Vertex Learning Lab team.
Recap: Out of This World Spring Camp
This spring, EIS students blasted off into the universe for spring break! They explored planets and the universe with fun, hands-on activities like building rockets, testing the effects of gravity. Instructors were supported by new and returning high school lab assistants who helped with experiments and played games with them at break time.
Students learned about the universe with guest speaker Rica Sirbaugh French, Astronomy Professor at MiraCosta College. Students about light in space, the James West and Hubble telescopes, and the amazing universe. Rica also gave kids space themed swag! The color changing bracelets were a favorite.
A big thank you to John Ortiz who crated an engaging spring camp experience for everyone!
If you are a high school student interested in volunteering as a summer lab assistant, visit our website eisca.org/lab-assistant.
Reserve Your Space for EIS Summer Camp
Summer camp registration is now open for students in grades 1-5.
Embark on a journey through the universe & explore sky high science, ocean exploration, Basic video game development, and renewable ways to SAVE OUR PLANET. More information is available on our website. Click the button below to learn more about what is offered in each week. Click here to register.
Saturday April 26th: NASA STEM Fest at EIS
Explore space careers with hands-on activities at the EIS Space Careers – STEM Festival with NASA. Local elementary and middle school students (and their families) can dive into 15 awesome activities, all inspired by careers at NASA.
Have you participated in programs or volunteered at the Elementary Institute of Science?
Whether you’re still in high school, college, working or retired, we want to know what you’ve been up to and if you have thoughts about any impact EIS had on your life or career. Please send an email to our Development Assistant, Leah Oviedo at loviedo@eisca.org.
EIS alumni are invited to join our official group to reconnect and stay updated on future reunions. Facebook.com/groups/AlumniConnectEIS