Over a Thousand Middle School Students in Punta Arenas Experience the Life of Tomasinos for a Day

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Santo tomás Punta Arenas hosted “Tomasino X 1 day,” a week-long initiative for over 1,000 high school students from 12 schools to experience higher education. The program, run in collaboration with the Ministry of Education’s Professional Technical Future Network, included workshops, lab tours, and details about admissions and benefits.The goal is to encourage students, particularly those in professional/technical programs, to consider higher education and explore their career options. Key figures like Daniela torres (santo Tomás) and Valentín Aguilera (Education Seremi) emphasized the importance of opening doors to students and supporting their vocational advancement. A student attendee, Yeiselin Salinas, highlighted the informative and engaging nature of the program, specifically mentioning her interest in the nursing technician career. The initiative aims to position professional/technical education as a key driver of regional and national development.

In essence, the article details a triumphant outreach program designed to bridge the gap between high school and higher education, with a particular focus on vocational training.

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How did the “A day as a Tomisino” program specifically aim to influence students’ decisions regarding higher education?

A Unique Educational Immersion in Magallanes

On August 12th, 2025, over 1,000 middle school students from Punta Arenas, Chile, participated in an unprecedented educational initiative: “A Day as a Tomisino.” the program, organized in collaboration between the universidad Católica de Chile (UC) – Punta arenas campus, local schools, and regional government entities, offered students a firsthand glimpse into university life and various academic disciplines. This immersive experience aimed to inspire future generations and broaden their understanding of higher education opportunities in the Magallanes region. The initiative focused on engaging students with the “Tomisino” identity – a term affectionately used to refer to students of the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile.

Program Highlights: Exploring Diverse Academic Paths

The “Day as a Tomisino” program wasn’t a passive observation; it was designed for active participation. Students were divided into groups based on their expressed interests, allowing them to delve into specific fields of study. Key areas of focus included:

Engineering & Technology Workshops: Hands-on sessions covering basic robotics, coding fundamentals, and sustainable energy solutions. These workshops utilized the university’s state-of-the-art labs and were led by UC engineering faculty and current students.

Marine Biology & Environmental science Field Trip: Punta Arenas’ unique geographical location made marine biology a natural focal point. Students participated in a guided tour of the coastal ecosystem, learning about local flora and fauna, and the importance of conservation efforts. This included a visit to a local research station studying Magellanic penguins.

Humanities & Social Sciences Simulations: Interactive simulations designed to introduce students to concepts in history, political science, and sociology.These sessions encouraged critical thinking and debate on relevant social issues.

Health Sciences Demonstrations: Introductory sessions to nursing, medicine, and public health, featuring demonstrations of basic medical techniques and discussions about healthcare challenges in the region.

Arts & Culture Exploration: Workshops in visual arts, music, and theater, showcasing the creative talents of UC students and faculty.

The Impact of Experiential Learning: Benefits for Students

This initiative goes beyond traditional career days. The benefits of experiential learning, like the “Day as a Tomisino” program, are considerable:

increased Motivation: Exposure to university life can ignite a passion for learning and motivate students to pursue higher education.

Career exploration: The program allows students to explore different career paths and identify their interests early on.

Skill Development: Workshops and simulations foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork skills.

Bridging the Gap: The program helps bridge the gap between secondary education and university, easing the transition for future students.

Regional Talent Retention: By showcasing the opportunities available at UC Punta Arenas, the program aims to encourage local talent to stay in the Magallanes region and contribute to its development.

collaboration & Community Involvement: Key to Success

The success of “A Day as a tomisino” hinged on strong collaboration between various stakeholders:

Universidad Católica de Chile – Punta Arenas: Provided facilities, faculty expertise, and student volunteers.

Local Middle Schools: Facilitated student participation and logistical support.

Regional Government: Offered financial support and promoted the program within the community.

Parental Involvement: Encouraged parental support and participation in pre- and post-program discussions.

This collaborative approach ensured the program was well-organized, impactful, and aligned with the needs of the local community. The program also highlighted the importance of STEM education (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and the growing demand for skilled professionals in these fields.

Real-World Submission: Connecting Learning to Local Challenges

The program wasn’t just about theoretical knowledge; it connected learning to real-world challenges facing the Magallanes region. For example, the marine biology field trip addressed the impact of climate change on local ecosystems, while the engineering workshops explored sustainable solutions for resource management. This emphasis on practical application made the learning experience more relevant and engaging for students. The initiative also served as a platform to discuss regional development, highlighting the role of education in fostering economic growth and social progress in Punta Arenas and the broader Magallanes region.