UNICDA awards scholarships to young people who will begin their studies in technology-related fields

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic – July 30, 2025
The Domínico Americano University (UNICDA) celebrated the awarding of its UNICDA Excellence 2025 scholarships, recognizing the high academic performance of outstanding high school students. The event took place in the Exhibition Hall of the Earl R. Threan Administrative Building on campus, with the participation of university authorities, the families of the scholarship recipients, and members of the academic community.

This year, the scholarships were awarded to three young women who will begin their university studies in technology and innovation-related fields:

Amy Pérez Mejía, Cybersecurity Engineering

Paula Mabel Martínez Abreu, Data Science Engineering

Katia Nathaly Pujols Almánzar, Software Engineering

These scholarships not only reflect UNICDA’s commitment to academic excellence but also its dedication to preparing professionals in high-demand fields. The new additions of Cybersecurity Engineering and Data Science Engineering, along with the already well-established and highly sought-after Software Engineering program, demonstrate this strategic vision focused on innovation and training in key areas for the country’s development.

During the ceremony, the Academic Vice-Rector, Dr. Josefina Pepín, gave the welcoming remarks, highlighting the merit and dedication of the scholarship recipients. Lisanna E. Montero Montán, a Business Administration student and a 2024 scholarship recipient, also addressed the attendees, sharing her testimony and motivating this year’s recipients to continue pursuing their academic goals.

The closing remarks were delivered by the Rector of UNICDA, Ing. Ramón Sosa, who reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to educating ethical, competent professionals dedicated to national development. “Through initiatives like UNICDA Excellence, we help pave the way for the country’s young talent, especially in high-impact areas like technology,” he stated.

The awarding of these scholarships strengthens the bond between UNICDA and the student community while fostering the personal and professional growth of high-potential young people. The university continues to position itself as a place of educational excellence, innovation, and comprehensive training, with programs adapted to a globalized environment and the needs of the current job market.

✨Maker Week 2025: Creativity, Technology, and Learning✨

From July 28 to August 1, the Maker Space at the Instituto Cultural Domínico Americano was filled with excitement, ingenuity, and discovery during Maker Week 2025, a technological, educational, and creative camp for children ages 8 to 12.

The purpose of Maker Week 2025 was to strengthen children’s knowledge of technology and robotics in a fun, collaborative, and creative environment. Throughout the week, participants engaged in various hands-on activities that stimulated their curiosity, creative thinking, and 21st-century skills.

This camp was organized by the Instituto Cultural Domínico Americano, through its Educational Innovation unit, in collaboration with Akompas Education. This synergy allowed for a unique educational experience where learning and technology came together to transform the way children learn and express themselves.

Among the highlights, they built and customized birdhouses, learned 3D design with Tinkercad, explored how a 3D printer works, and were introduced to basic electronics and programming by creating a traffic light with Arduino. They also designed and launched their own explorer robots with VEX GO, integrating principles of engineering and teamwork.

The week concluded with a heartwarming Festival of Creations, where participants presented their projects to their families using creative posters and live demonstrations. It was a proud ending, where each child showcased everything they had learned and enjoyed.

The Instituto Cultural Domínico Americano reaffirms its commitment to innovative and purposeful education, creating spaces where children can imagine, build, and share.

A closure full of art and color at our Drawing and Painting camp

After four intensive weeks of creativity, color, and artistic expression, the Drawing and Painting camp has come to a grand close, leaving an indelible mark on every canvas.

During this time, our participants explored various techniques, developed their personal styles, and discovered new ways to express themselves through art. Each stroke was a testament to their growth, and every piece was an explosion of talent.

The experience was a space to dream, create, and share—an artistic journey where imagination had no limits.

We want to thank all the families who trusted us and supported their children’s talent and creative spirit.

We’ll see you next summer to keep creating!

Yes, Chef!: Cooks Around the World, a culinary journey without a passport that sparks children’s creativity

The “Yes, Chef! Cooks Around the World” morning camp has become an unforgettable experience for our mini chefs, who have traveled the globe with a spoon in hand, discovering new flavors, cultures, and a deep passion for cooking.

The stoves were fired up with an explosion of flavors. From juicy hamburgers to colorful tacos and creatively decorated cupcakes, participants explored the cuisines of the United States and Mexico. The grand finale was the highly anticipated Sweet Friday, a day dedicated to desserts that unleashed their imagination and love for all things sweet.

The second week took our young cooks on a journey through Spanish and Dominican cuisine. Dishes full of history, traditional techniques, and delicious flavors filled the kitchen with enthusiasm. On Friday, a festival of appetizers joyfully wrapped up a week that celebrated culture and teamwork.

The third week was a true nonstop journey. From Italian pasta to intense and varied Asian flavors, the mini chefs tasted new ingredients and learned techniques from different parts of the world. The week concluded with a delicious brunch Friday, combining sweet and savory dishes for a feast for the senses.

“Yes, Chef!” continues to show that cooking is much more than just recipes; it’s a way to learn, share, and grow. Every dish has been a living lesson in culture, teamwork, and creativity. We’ll see you next year!

The School of Art and Culture successfully concluded its summer camp, SUMMER COMICS

For three weeks, the space was filled with imagination, color, and high energy at the SUMMER COMICS camp—an educational initiative where our young participants became true storytellers.

During this time, students learned drawing techniques geared toward comic creation, exploring themes like anatomy, clothing movement, character design, narrative structure, and timeline development. Each day was a chance to unleash creativity and turn ideas into unique characters.

The result was a vibrant collection of comics full of talent and originality—an outcome shaped by the effort, passion, and guidance of our facilitators.

We thank every family for trusting in this project, and our young artists for pouring their hearts into each page.

See you on the next creative mission!

The Dominican American Cultural Institute celebrated the Independence of the United States with a Farmers Market

On Wednesday, July 3rd, we held a Farmers Market to commemorate the Independence Day of the United States. The event was open to our entire educational community and welcomed staff members, students, teachers, and visitors, all of whom enjoyed a unique day in true farmer style.

During the celebration, the main campus of our institution transformed into a vibrant space filled with music, recreational activities, traditional food, vendor stations, and a lively, positive atmosphere. The stars of the day were various local entrepreneurs who joined the event to offer natural, handmade products with an authentic flair that delighted everyone in attendance.

Beyond the shopping and flavors, this initiative fostered integration among our community members, supported entrepreneurial talent, and honored a date that holds great significance in American culture—a core part of our identity as a binational center.

We’re grateful to everyone who made this experience possible, from the organizers to each participant who brought the event to life.

The Domínico Americano Holds Its 2025 General Ordinary Assembly of Associates

Last Tuesday, June 17, 2025, the Instituto Cultural Dominico Americano held its General Ordinary Assembly of Associates, a space for dialogue and accountability in which the institutional advances of the year 2024 were presented and new members of the Board of Directors were elected for the period 2025–2027.

The activity was presided over by Mrs. Darys Estrella, president of the Board of Directors, who offered opening remarks highlighting the impact of initiatives developed during the past year and reaffirming the commitment to responsible leadership that guides the mission of Dominico Americano.

During the day, Eng. Ramón Sosa, Executive Director, presented the institutional management report; Mr. Frank Abate, Treasurer, shared financial information based on audited statements; and Mrs. Hilda Patricia Polanco, Secretary of Council, conducted the voting process and validation for the new board composition.

The Executive Committee Board that begins its functions with immediate effect is composed of:

Darys Estrella – President
Lucy Threan de Lamarche – Vice President
Hilda Patricia Polanco – Secretary
Francisco J. Abate Franjul – Treasurer
Darío Lama Reyes – Vice Secretary
Robert Valdez – Vice Treasurer

Additionally forming part are:
Francisco J. Abreu Vitetta, Bassa Isaac Castañeda, Enrique A. Fernández Malla, Marielle Garrido, Jeffrey Johnson, Mari Carmen Orizondo, Leonardo Santoni, Arthur Valdez

We thank all associates who participated actively in this assembly, contributing to strengthening our institution’s mission to promote cultural exchange between the Dominican Republic and the United States.

Rafael Chaer shares his experience with students of the Tourism and Hospitality program

Students from the Tourist Marketing course, part of the Tourism and Hospitality program at UNICDA, received a very special visit: Rafael Chaer, renowned Creative Director and Brand Strategist, who shared his extensive experience in branding, visual communication, and strategic development in digital environments with the future professionals.

With over 15 years of professional experience, Rafael has led projects for major national and international brands such as Ágora Mall, Grupo CCN, Club Atlético Licey, BM Cargo, Brugal, Downtown Center, CEPM, Cervecería Nacional Dominicana, among others, establishing himself as a key figure in the field of marketing and creativity in the Dominican Republic.

During his talk, Chaer addressed essential topics for the tourism industry, including: the importance of strategy as the foundation for any project, the design of action plans, the impact of digital media, the development of creative concepts, and the relevance of understanding the target audience through the use of color, promotion, and effective visual communication.

This enriching session allowed students to gain first-hand insight into the tools and approaches used in the development of purpose-driven brands, creating a practical, inspiring learning space aligned with the current demands of the tourism market.

University students join cleanup campaign for World Oceans Day 2025

In commemoration of World Oceans Day, students from our Dominican-American University (UNICDA) participated in a meaningful coastal cleanup campaign, organized in collaboration with the Vida Azul Foundation. The activity, which took place at a local beach, successfully collected over 2,800 pounds of waste, including plastics, foam, and other solid debris that severely impact the health of marine ecosystems.

This year’s theme, “Awaken New Depths: Sustaining What Sustains Us,” invites reflection on the deep connection between the oceans and life on Earth. This initiative not only represented a concrete action in favor of the environment but also served as an opportunity to educate and raise awareness among participants about the urgency of protecting our seas.

The organizers emphasized that while these cleanups are valuable, real change begins by preventing pollution at its source. “It’s not just about cleaning up, but about not polluting in the first place. Caring for our oceans is a shared responsibility that starts with our everyday choices,” they stated.

The university thus reaffirms its commitment to sustainability and to shaping responsible citizens who are aware of the impact their actions have on the planet.