Eighth-graders Win Reflection Contest Awards

Brownsville ISD students in IDRA Youth TechXperts were recognized in a reflection contest describing how the STEM leadership program strengthened their confidence and interest in technology careers.

“[IDRA Youth TechXperts] has helped change the way I think about my future. I used to not want to go to college, but now I want to go for tech so I can get my degree and get a good job.” – IDRA Youth TechXperts student, Victor Espinoza, Brownsville ISD

(May 28, 2026) Four Brownsville ISD students received prizes in a competition among participants in IDRA’s newest in-school STEM program, IDRA Youth TechXperts, in which eighth-graders become technical support specialists for their schools.

The students described how their experience changed how they see themselves and their futures in technology and leadership.

In the reflection contest, winners were awarded $200 for first place, $150 for second place, $100 for third place and $50 for honorable mention.

See the booklet with the winning reflections (PDF). Highlights are below.

First Place: Diony Ahumada

8th Grade, Faulk Middle School, Brownsville ISD

“I didn’t expect that helping people with technology would change me. In the IDRA Youth TechXperts program. I learned how to solve technology problems at Falls Middle School. People trusted me to help them with their stuff and that made me feel proud and responsible. When I fix their problems, I feel proud because I know I made someone’s day better. Because of the Youth TechXperts program, I want to learn more about computers and STEM jobs.”

Second Place: Katia Ramírez

8th Grade, Vela Middle School, Brownsville ISD

“Youth TechXperts has also allowed me to realize the significance of teamwork and how very demanding it is if you thrive in it for future careers… Participating in this program helped me transition from being hesitant to lead to confidently managing a team, largely due to our collaborative efforts… IDRA has helped me notice how much I want to make a difference and be among the few to persuade women into these male dominated fields.”

Third Place: Bryana Martínez García

8th Grade, Vela Middle School, Brownsville ISD

“Being in the IDRA Youth TechXperts program has helped me learn how to replace a keyboard and take apart the bottom on the laptop and learn how it’s built. They have helped me learn how to put it back together… This class has made me believe I can do anything as long as I have a passion and patience for it. Since I started having this passion, I realized I can help those who don’t really understand technology… It has helped me believe I can handle anything, such as a new career.”

Honorable Mention: Victor Espinoza

8th Grade, Vela Middle School, Brownsville ISD

“The Youth TechXperts program has helped me with learning coding, cooperation with teammates and my social anxiety as well as how I help my community. And it has helped me discover my strengths. It has also helped change the way I think about my future. I used to not want to go to college, but now I want to go for tech so I can get my degree and get a good job. And I think it has, overall, helped me become smarter in life.”

About IDRA Youth TechXperts – Building Students’ STEM Identity & Leadership

Despite increased investments in technology initiatives for youth, participation rates in IT fields for students of color, girls and emergent bilingual students remain alarmingly low.

IDRA Youth TechXperts launched this school year in Brownsville ISD, built on a solid foundation of research that shows students in at-risk circumstances thrive when they can perform, be recognized and cultivate a deep interest in computer science.

The program in Brownsville ISD is made possible by the generous support of Valley Baptist Legacy Foundation and by the U.S. Department of Education. IDRA is available to partner with other school districts interested in sponsoring the program in their schools. Contact Michelle Martínez Vega for details at michelle.vega@idra.org.

Learn more about IDRA Youth TechXperts