East Las Vegas – A group of high‑school students at Southeast Career Technical Academy (SECTA) is using storytelling to broaden access to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) for local families. The Pair of Dice Robotics team has written and illustrated a children’s book called Space Whiskers and, recognizing the city’s large Spanish‑speaking population, produced a Spanish‑language audiobook version.
Project roots and community impact
Team member Nataly Gillard, who has been involved in robotics for more than nine years, explained that making STEM resources available in Spanish could have changed her own childhood experience. “As a little girl who’s done this for over nine years, robotics and STEM, I believe it would have been so useful to me and my family,” she said. Gillard emphasized that accessibility to STEM should be for everybody, regardless of language.
To bring the project to life, Gillard helped launch the Spanish audiobook, while fellow teammate Bryan Montes provided the narration. Montes expressed pride in helping younger students discover STEM opportunities, noting, “It makes me feel happy that I am able to help other students, like the younger generation, elementary school, middle school, and even high school, learn about STEM programs.”
Coaching and values
Robotics coach Jennifer Miller said the initiative reflects the team’s broader philosophy of giving back. “Something that we try to instill in the students is to not take for granted the opportunities that they have,” Miller explained. “And so, the kids really show that by giving back to the community.”
The audiobook offers families a convenient way to explore space and STEM concepts together, whether at home, in the car, or during after‑school activities. By providing the content in Spanish, the team hopes to reach children who might otherwise lack access to such educational materials.
Looking ahead
Gillard hopes the book will inspire young readers to see the possibilities that STEM offers. “Anything is possible, really,” she said. The team plans to share the audiobook with local schools, libraries, and community centers, encouraging parents and teachers to incorporate it into their curricula.
As East Las Vegas continues to grow its diverse population, projects like this demonstrate how students can combine technical skills with a commitment to family and community values, strengthening the neighborhood’s educational foundation.
Original reporting: KTNV 13 Action News Las Vegas (local) — read the source article.
