Downey teen invited to exclusive National Youth Engineers Forum at Berkeley

A local high school student has impressed his peers and teachers with some impressive work in robotics, and it has earned him a special opportunity this summer. 

Warren High sophomore Carlos Cardona has been invited to the National Youth Engineers Forum at UC Berkeley.

Warren High School sophomore Carlos Cardona started in robotics at Griffiths Middle School when he took an engineering class. While he wasn’t a part of the robotics team with the Indians, he has quickly established himself in the field amongst the Bears. 

“I joined the robotics team in my 9th grade year, and gradually I kind of made my way up the tree,” said Cardona. “In my sophomore year, I’m currently the president of the robotics club.”

Alongside his fellow robotics engineers at Warren, Cardona has competed in competitions and tournaments, where he often takes leadership roles. 

Now, he has been invited to the National Youth Engineers Forum hosted by UC Berkeley; one of only 250 students invited in the world, according to Cardona.

Cardona had to have been nominated to receive this invitation. However, he interestingly has no clue who nominated him. 

He is the only Warren student attending. 

Once there, Cardona will be surrounded by professionals in the field who he will be able to interact with and listen to, giving him experience that will help him during his desired career in engineering. 

“It’s going to help me develop my future in terms of engineering,” said Cardona. 

There are also going to be several workshops that Cardona will be able to participate in. 
Currently, Cardona is attempting to fundraise the funds in order to make the trip by selling reusable grocery bags bearing a logo that he designed for $5 - $7.50. 

Cardona has already sold to several individuals including some of his current and past teachers. He is around $1,200 shy of his goal at the moment. 

Those interested in supporting Cardona can email ccardonad@aol.com.