The Trusheim Hall basement computer lab is filled with chatter on a recent spring afternoon. Bachelor’s and master’s students, as well as a few who seem much younger, are working together on robotics kits and at computer workstations. In this friendly atmosphere, Concordia-Chicago computer science students are standing tall for service as they volunteer to teach STEM skills to middle- and high-schoolers every Friday after school.
The Friday mentoring clinics, as well as the week-long summer robotics camp hosted at CUC, are made possible through a grant from the Oak Park and River Forest Townships. Dr. Victor Govindaswamy, professor of computer science, reaches out to the community by teaching STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) while also allowing his own students to grow their skills. In addition to their mentoring roles, CUC students assist in organizing workshops, developing curriculum materials and fostering a supportive learning environment for local youth.
“One of my biggest motivations is to teach my students about service and the importance of giving forward to the next generation. I strongly believe that education isn't just about acquiring knowledge—it's about using that knowledge to uplift others,” Govindaswamy says. “By mentoring younger students, my students not only reinforce their own learning but also develop leadership, empathy and a sense of responsibility to contribute to their communities.”
Some days the children work on robotics, while other days they might work on coding or 3-D printing projects. The mentors plan lessons in advance, and are there to help the students with any questions they may have.
“This allows the kids to practice their communication skills, learn, and have mentors to both inspire and help them reach their goals,” says Kristina Sajic, the student leader of the clinic for the last two years. “Moreover, it provides an opportunity for new CUC computer science majors to meet upperclassmen and make friendships that they may not have met through class periods. Our club is key to both inspiring the innovators of tomorrow and creating community within the computer science department.”
In the future, Govindaswamy would like to expand the mentoring clinic into an intergenerational program through Oak Park Township Senior Services. “In my free time I was teaching elderly people who wanted help with technology—how to use a smartphone, how to use Windows and so on. They want to learn too! I hope to bridge generations through STEM education,” he says.
The above is just an excerpt—for the full story, check out the Summer 2025 edition of the Forester Magazine.
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