Hundreds of Inland Empire educators and thousands of students participated in the annual Science and Technology Education Partnership (STEP) conference, known as STEPCon21.
“Science, technology, engineering and math industries are rapidly growing,” County Superintendent Ted Alejandre said during his address to educators at the conference. “What participants learn at STEPCon can help them realize the opportunities available to them and enhances our region’s workforce of the future.”
The three-day annual event is designed to ignite student interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)-related career fields. Students become familiar with how STEM can be leveraged in careers such as first responders, law enforcement, military, engineering, manufacturing, environmental and healthcare.
Students had the opportunity to engage with college educators and industry professionals one-on-one. They also participated in hands-on science experiments, interactive technology exhibits, presentations, breakout discussions and a science showcase.
“The Science Show was really cool!” exclaimed Isabela Hernandez, a seventh-grade student at Vineyard STEM Magnet School in the Ontario-Montclair School District. She said attending STEPCon21 virtually with her class influenced her desire to pursue a computer science degree. “Seeing the projects done by people my age, that inspired me. That could be me, someday.”
A limited number of students were able to attend the conference in person while thousands more joined virtually. In addition to individual participants, more than 200 educators registered and gathered their students in classrooms and multipurpose rooms to view the material. STEPCon21 has reached over 12,000 students to date.
Mary Timassy-Nelson, Hernandez’s teacher at Vineyard STEM Magnet School, said she organized the virtual field trip for her class because she wants students to know how many resources and jobs are in their area. “There are many jobs available in the STEM field,” Timassy-Nelson said. “Some require a college degree and some do not. There are opportunities for everyone.”
Each year, Educator STEPCon precedes the student event. Educator STEPCon provides training to hundreds of K-12 teachers, ensuring they have the latest tools and methods to keep the region’s students competitive in the global marketplace. This year’s educator event included keynote speakers, immersive workshops, hands-on activities, engaging discussions and six breakout sessions per day.
Over 165 educators attended Educator STEPCon21. Timassy-Nelson, who has been involved with STEPCon for nearly ten years, was a presenter at this year’s conference. She said the most important aspects of the conference are the resources teachers receive and the opportunity for networking.
“We have been able to recruit businesses and colleges to attend our College and Career Day,” said Timassy-Nelson. “We have had several students from our school who participated in the conference, attended iPoly High School on the Cal Poly Pomona campus, and then go on to pursue a degree in a STEM field.”
SBCSS co-chairs Educator STEPCon in an effort to cultivate a STEM culture in the Inland Empire by inspiring educators to drive students toward these rapidly growing industries.
Even if you missed the live portion of the conferences, you are still able to register and view the recorded materials now through November 5. To learn more, please visit https://www.stepconference.org/link_2021.cfm.
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