In our modern technology-driven economy, the STEM disciplines — science, technology, engineering and mathematics — are at the core. The San Diego Festival of Science & Technology strives to inspire local students from all backgrounds to become the scientists and engineers of tomorrow. Times of San Diego spoke with Sara Pagano, managing director of the festival, about the nonprofit’s mission and programs in advance of its popular EXPO Day at Petco Park on Saturday.
What’s the mission of the San Diego Festival of Science & Engineering?
Our mission is to engage and encourage kids in science and engineering and work with parents and teachers to inspire today’s students to become tomorrow’s science, technology, engineering and math innovators. We are passionate to explain to young people that science and technology is in everything we do, every day. We advocate for investing in STEM education as one of — if not the — most effective way to build a secure socio-economic environment for everyone regardless of race, creed, gender or personal beliefs.
We feel that it is everyone’s job — not just teachers — to spark excitement for science and engineering in the minds of young people. We subscribe to the principles of selflessly giving back to San Diego as a way to ensure our community’s growth potential and quality of life. We lead by example in developing partnerships and initiatives that will advance this cause.
How has the annual event evolved over the years?
We are continually growing based on the needs and response of the community. We are able to develop new programs through continued feedback from our wonderful attendees. In particular this year, we have added a Pre-K at EXPO Day on Saturday, a 21+ series during the festival week and are in the pilot year of our new 5-year initiative, STEM In Your Backyard.
STEM in Your Backyard will take place this year in Chula Vista, Barrio Logan, East Village, Vista and City Heights. Each day will feature a mini version of EXPO Day brought into the community on either a weekend morning or after school timeframe allowing for students, families and business leaders alike to interact and engage in learning together.
We have now grown to a full 10-day educational experience that takes place all over San Diego County and provides hands-on activities, behind-the scenes-tours, lecture series and more!
* Why are the STEM disciplines so important for students?
Employers’ need for students with STEM-related core concentrations is rapidly growing. These jobs are making an economic impact in San Diego and around the world. San Diego offers a strong foundation for new company creation and development. The city continues to be a catalyst for emerging young innovators, showcasing that we can have it all in San Diego. You can go to school, conduct research, find internships and get an amazing job here to complete the circle of a homegrown workforce that continues to make an economic impact.
Living in an age of science and technology, STEM affects our daily lives and will continue to be the driving force behind future growth. It is crucial that children are inspired, motivated and educated in STEM.
The festival is a program of the BIOCOM Institute. What else does BIOCOM do in the community?
The BIOCOM Institute supports life sciences innovation and success in Southern California by creating opportunities for STEM participants, teachers, enthusiasts and life sciences industry companies and scientists to work together. We are very proud of our new program, the Introductory Life Sciences Experience. This program will provide a re-entry path into a STEM career in life science for nearly 50 out-of-school youth, aged 17-24, who have substantial financial and educational barriers to career pathway planning.
The program goal is to assist in the transformation of out-of-school youth into professional, competent and productive life sciences employees. The program introduces participants to college-level courses such as introductory biotechnology with practical lab experience to foster interest in STEM field careers. In addition, work readiness training and certifications are provided to all youth participants. Participants will be placed in a fully subsidized, paid, hands-on, life sciences laboratory internship, and will also receive job placement support for post-internship work experience.
Throughout the program, participants will have access to literacy improvement programs, healthy living counseling, goal setting techniques and assistance, job search tools, and other relevant educational components. Additionally, participants will receive financial counseling designed to teach them how to create a budget and maintain financial responsibility, while learning different ways to finance their educational objectives for higher education.
How can interested San Diegans get involved?
Come out and join us through March 13. The majority of our events are free and open to the public. The highly anticipated EXPO Day at PETCO Park is Saturday, March 5, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Organizers anticipate attracting more than 25,000 individuals and families to this event that will kick off festival week. The free, daylong celebration is the festival’s signature event with more than 130 local businesses, corporations and organizations providing interactive, hands-on science, technology, engineering and math exhibits and activities to budding K-12 science lovers.
Times of San Diego regularly writes about nonprofit organizations that are making a difference in San Diego. Organizations wishing to participate in this question-and-answer series may contact news@timesofsandiego.com for consideration.
