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WordPress Campus Connect UCR Esparza: A Day of Learning, Community, and Creativity
Last Saturday, August 29, we had the opportunity to host WordPress Campus Connect UCR Esparza, an event that brought together students, professors, and members of the WordPress community for a day filled with learning, projects, talks, and, above all, community.
But the story of this event began long before that Saturday.
Students, Community and Teachers posing for the photo
Building Partnerships from the Start
One of the first steps in making the event a reality was finding sponsors who wanted to support the initiative. Together with my team, we visited different local businesses in person to share our idea, explain what WordPress Campus Connect was about, where and when the event would take place, and, most importantly, why we believed it was important to create this kind of space for students.
Some of these businesses decided to believe in the project and become our sponsors. From that moment on, we stayed in close contact with them and received their support throughout the entire organization process.
One of our sponsors also gave us a valuable opportunity to conduct interviews with different members of the team, where we were able to explain what the event was about, its purpose, and what we hoped to achieve. This helped us introduce the initiative to more people and expand our reach before the big day.
A Day to Learn, Share, and Create
Finally, Saturday, August 29, arrived.
During the morning, we welcomed participants as they arrived to take part in the experience. The event brought together 45 people, primarily students from different universities in the area.
The day began with several talks. We had two WordPress professionals who shared their knowledge and experiences, as well as students from different fields who had the opportunity to share their own perspectives and what they had learned.
We also had a coffee and snack break during the morning, giving participants an opportunity to meet one another, have conversations, and begin building new connections.
Giveaways, Piñata, and Community
Beyond the learning experience, we wanted the event to have the fun and welcoming spirit that makes our community so special.
Before lunch, we held a raffle with prizes made possible through the support of our sponsors. Then, during lunchtime, we had one of the most fun moments of the day: a piñata! 🎉
It was a chance to relax, spend time together, and enjoy ourselves after a busy morning of activities. We also provided lunch for all participants, thanks to the support that helped make the event possible.
WordPress Campus Connect UCR Esparza Participants
Student Projects
One of the most important moments of the day was the presentation of the projects developed by the students.
These projects did not happen overnight. The participants had previously taken five workshops and spent several weeks developing their own ideas and building their websites.
During the event, they had the opportunity to present the results of all their hard work to a jury made up of two professors and one member of the WordPress community.
Four students were ultimately recognized and awarded for their projects. These prizes were made possible thanks to one of our sponsors and the budget we were able to raise for the event.
But there was something even more special: all the students who presented their projects received a ticket to attend WordCampWordCampWordCamps are casual, locally-organized conferences covering everything related to WordPress. They're one of the places where the WordPress community comes together to teach one another what they’ve learned throughout the year and share the joy. Learn more. Costa Rica 2026, taking place this September. This means that the learning and connection with the community do not end with Campus Connect, but can continue at the next major WordPress gathering in Costa Rica. 🇨🇷
An Afternoon Full of Ideas
The afternoon continued with a series of lightning talks, featuring students and members of the WordPress community. We had three presentations that offered different experiences and perspectives in a dynamic and engaging format.
We also had a second snack break, which once again became an opportunity to talk, share experiences, and strengthen the connections among participants.
To wrap up the day, we held the remaining raffles, with prizes once again made possible through the generosity of our sponsors and the support of the event coordination team.
More Than an Event
WordPress Campus Connect UCR Esparza was much more than a one-day event.
Behind those hours of talks, projects, prizes, food, and laughter were weeks of planning, finding partners, communicating with sponsors and participants, organizing workshops, and working together as a team.
It was also an experience led by five female students from the University of Costa Rica, @lornamurillo@mpaulaos@brittanygarcia@luzfp06@alimezg who took on the challenge of managing the entire organization process. From planning and coordination to the design and creation of the event materials, the team was involved in every detail: T-shirts, pins, keychains, and other elements that helped give WordPress Campus Connect UCR Esparza its own identity.
In the end, we brought together 45 people and created a space where students, professionals, professors, sponsors, and community members could come together around something we all share: the desire to learn, create, and contribute.
A huge thank you to all the sponsors, students, professors, community members, and everyone who contributed to the coordination and organization of the event. Without their support, trust, and enthusiasm, WordPress Campus Connect UCR Esparza would not have been possible.
From the early planning stages to the day of the event, they were there every step of the way, offering their guidance, support, ideas, and encouragement. Having people who believed in the initiative and were willing to be there throughout the journey made a huge difference.
Thank you for being there from beginning to end and for helping us turn this idea into reality. We truly appreciate your time, support, and commitment to making this experience possible
WordPress Community
What Comes Next?
If there is one thing this experience taught us, it is that you don’t have to wait for someone else to take the first step.
If you are a student and there are people at your university, in your city, or in your community who are interested in learning, creating, and sharing around WordPress, you can take the initiative and create a space like this too.
What if the next Campus Connect starts at your university?
An idea can begin with just a few people, a conversation, and the desire to do something different. With the support of the community, local partners, and sponsors, that idea can grow into an event that helps other students discover new skills, build confidence, and connect with new opportunities.
So, if you have an idea for bringing WordPress Campus Connect to your area, take that first step! The next group of students ready to learn, create, and share might just be waiting for an initiative like yours.
