News Summary
The University of San Diego hosted its ninth annual STEAM Youth & Community Conference, attracting over 700 participants. The event featured interactive workshops, student presentations, and aimed to inspire interest in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics among youth and families. With diverse activities, accessibility options in English and Spanish, and engaging discussions, the conference highlighted the importance of community support in fostering education. This year’s largest turnout underscores a growing enthusiasm for STEAM initiatives, facilitated by collaborations among local organizations.
San Diego Hosts Successful STEAM Youth & Community Conference
San Diego welcomed over 700 local participants at the University of San Diego’s ninth annual STEAM Youth & Community Conference, which took place on campus in the Linda Vista neighborhood. The conference was designed to foster interest in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) among children and families through engaging workshops and activities.
The free, family-friendly event served as a platform for community members to explore innovation, emphasizing hands-on experiences. This year’s conference marked the culmination of two weeks of summer camps organized by the university’s Jacobs Institute for Innovation in Education. These camps included diverse activities such as podcasting, Minecraft, and paper-folding to nurture critical thinking and socioemotional skills in participants.
Interactive Workshops and Student Presentations
During the conference, attending students showcased their projects at the opening session, with over 40 student presentations featured throughout the day’s agenda. Additionally, attendees could choose from 30 different STEAM-themed interactive workshops led by professors, university students, and local experts. Topics ranged from constructing underwater robots and weaving to neuroscience and building a musical organ, catering to various interests and age groups.
To ensure accessibility, many of the workshops were conducted in both English and Spanish, allowing for a wider reach within the community. The event also included a STEAMx segment, similar to TEDx, where selected speakers shared personal experiences related to the concept of “productive struggle” in their lives.
Community Engagement and Support
Attendees praised the conference for its inspiring and empowering environment, which encouraged exploration of future career options within STEAM fields. The turnout this year was recorded as the largest to date, showcasing the community’s enthusiasm for such initiatives. The event was made possible by grant funding from the San Diego Foundation and the San Diego Unified School District, reflecting the collaborative effort to support youth education in the region.
The first STEAM Youth & Community Conference was organized by three faculty members from USD who identified a need for resources and support systems for young people. This year’s event partnered with co-host organizations, including the San Diego Foundation, San Diego Unified School District, and Young Echelon, strengthening ties within the community.
Alternative Summer Programs
Although the traditional summer camp “STEAM Academy” was not conducted this year, new programs such as the VisMO Summer Adventure and ImPactful Teen Innovation Sandbox were introduced in its place. In the VisMO program, students engaged with origami to enhance their spatial awareness and grasp mathematical concepts. The conference also featured panel discussions where participants learned from various STEM professionals about fostering creativity and confidence in STEAM pathways.
To round off the event, students were rewarded with raffle prizes, including custom space-themed shoes, adding an element of excitement and incentive for participation.
Overall, the University of San Diego’s ninth annual STEAM Youth & Community Conference successfully brought together a diverse audience, offering a comprehensive look into STEAM disciplines while supporting the next generation of innovators.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Coronado Community Events and Pleasant Weather This September
University of San Diego Hosts Successful STEAM Youth Conference
Events in San Diego from August 22 to August 24
Coronado High School Soccer Team Aims for Third Consecutive State Title
San Diego Hosts Successful STEAM Youth & Community Conference
Dr. Maylén Sullivan Receives Teacher of the Year Award
Coronado Teacher Recognized as State’s Best Language Educator
Dr. Maylén Sullivan Honored as CLTA Teacher of the Year
San Diego Hosts Annual STEAM Youth & Community Conference
San Diego Hosts Ninth Annual STEAM Youth & Community Conference
Additional Resources
- NBC San Diego: 9th Annual STEAM Conference
- Wikipedia: STEAM
- Times of San Diego: USD’s STEAM Youth Conference
- Google Search: STEAM education
- GovTech: San Diego School District Tech Lab
- Google Scholar: STEAM programs
- Desert Review: STEAM Wars Conference
- Encyclopedia Britannica: STEM
Author: STAFF HERE CORONADO
The Coronado Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HERECoronado.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Coronado, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Coronado Island Film Festival, productions at Lamb’s Players Theatre, community workshops at John D. Spreckels Center, and iconic celebrations at Hotel del Coronado. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Coronado Chamber of Commerce and Visit Coronado, plus leading businesses in hospitality, dining, and tourism that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERESanDiego.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
