NASEP Students Dive Into Computer Building

In early June, 24 high school students from across the Southwest teamed up with a blended crew of six library professionals and six University Information Technology Services (UITS) professionals to build fully functional desktop computers from scratch. The hands-on event, hosted annually by the University of Arizona Libraries (UAL) is part of the Native American Science and Engineering Program (NASEP) summer institute.

NASEP, hosted by UAL since 2009, is a nationally recognized initiative dedicated to empowering Indigenous students through STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education and mentorship. Carol Seanez, the current program coordinator and an alum of the first NASEP cohort, has played a leading role in the program’s ongoing success. She was an early contributor as a mentor during her undergraduate years at the university and now serves as the program’s coordinator.

For many students, this immersive experience marks their first time building a computer from scratch. The excitement is mutual among the UAL and UITS staff who help guide the activity. “Every year, NASEP gives us the opportunity to share our passion for technology with the next generation,” says Elia Nazarenko, Assistant Director, System Administration for Academics. “Watching students build a computer from the ground up and not just learning how it works, but also gaining the confidence to troubleshoot and problem-solve, is incredibly rewarding. It’s not just about the machines; it’s about sparking interest in IT and showing them that they have the potential to shape the future.”

Each year’s NASEP camp offers new opportunities for discovery, ranging from chessboard programming with iPads to this year’s Battle Bot competition hosted by the CATalyst Studios. The computer-building day at the UAL remains a favorite among both staff and students. Ashley Slay, Application Developer Program Analyst, describes it as “an opportunity to have a direct impact on students by teaching them a practical skill that they can carry on into their lives, and to share a passion for STEM/IT.”

Students from across the country are invited to apply to the program. This year’s participants came primarily from Arizona, New Mexico, and Colorado. And while the technology can occasionally be temperamental, that’s part of the learning. “I look forward to NASEP students arriving on campus every summer,” shares Jackie Yabeny-Bahe, IT Support Computing Analyst. “There are always a couple of computers that won't cooperate, and it's nice to see the students determined to troubleshoot the issue.”

NASEP is part of a broader mission led by the University’s Office of Early Academic Outreach, which aims to increase the number of students who are inspired and prepared to pursue higher education. In addition to NASEP, the office offers programs such as Arizona MESA (Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement) and the College Academy for Parents (CAP)—all designed to engage students and families early in the college planning process.

Special thanks to Steven Chang, Senior Director, Research & Libraries Specialized IT Services for his support in connecting UITS Communications and Marketing for this story.