Texas State’s Society for Mexican American Engineers and Scientists hosting barbecue to benefit big event

The Society for Mexican American Engineers and Scientists (MAES) student organization at Texas State University, has stepped up to the plate this semester, volunteering for local neighborhood beautification projects and providing hands-on science activities for area youth.
MAES is a nationally recognized organization devoted to increasing the number of minority science and engineering students at Texas State University-San Marcos.
"Giving back to the San Marcos community is important to us,” MAES President Jesus Palacios said.
Members of the group recently devoted their time to a service project, performing yard work at an elderly man's home in the Castle Forest neighborhood.
The group also hosted hands-on science activities during Discover Texas State, at the San Marcos Fifth Grade GT Interest Session Tour at Texas State and is also hosting a science demonstration booth at the Crockett Elementary Science Fair.
MAES members are hosting a barbecue fundraiser on March 2 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at O'Reilly Auto Parts parking lot, 803 S Guadalupe St., with assistance from two local LULAC chapter members to raise funds for a hands-on science event for local youth.
Tickets are $7 per plate, which includes a chicken quarter, beans and potato salad.
MAES is a dedicated group of science and engineering students who are working to produce a 18th annual Science Extravaganza benefiting several local elementary schools.
The Science Extravaganza is a full day of hands-on experiments and demonstrations for hundreds of students. Texas State students will introduce the students to the exciting fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
Sponsors for the barbecue and the Science Extravaganza are needed.
"We are seeking support from the community so we can provide local youth with a fun day learning about science and engineering. By having this event on Texas State campus we greatly enhance the experience. The overall goal of the event is to not only encourage the children to pursue higher education, but to get into the STEM fields," Palacios said.
MAES has done several community service projects this year, Palacios said, but the Science Extravaganza is the best way to give back to San Marcos – through exposing children to opportunities and experiences they would not have otherwise.
For more information about the fundraiser, or to get involved, contact Palacios at maes@txstate.edu [1].