The 9th annual STEAM Youth and Community Conference at the University of San Diego brought together over 700 attendees last month, marking the largest turnout in the event’s history. Hosted by the Jacobs Institute for Innovation in Education, the conference featured more than 40 student presentations, hands-on workshops, and numerous prize giveaways, creating a vibrant atmosphere for learning and collaboration.
Rebecca Ottinger, a project manager at the university, expressed her excitement, stating, “It was the largest turnout we’ve ever had. 700 people were coming together as a community for the day, and the energy was really electric.” The conference was originally conceived by three faculty members who recognized the need for a supportive environment that would empower young people in their educational journeys. Over the years, the event has significantly expanded, incorporating a wider array of workshops and increased involvement from local organizations, including the San Diego Unified School District and the San Diego Foundation.
Innovative Workshops and Engaging Presentations
While the traditional STEAM Academy summer camp was not held this year, other innovative camps took its place. Programs such as the VisMO Summer Adventure and the ImPactful Teen Innovation Sandbox inspired students through unique activities designed to enhance problem-solving skills. VisMO combined origami with the sandbox game Minecraft to sharpen spatial awareness and deepen mathematical understanding. The Innovation Sandbox guided students in creating and broadcasting their own live podcasts.
Students from these camps showcased their projects during the conference, allowing them to share their creativity and insights with a broader audience. Ottinger emphasized the importance of empowering youth voices, stating, “We’re an institute that focuses on innovation, that focuses on how to help raise the voices of our youth.”
The conference featured 30 interactive workshops, facilitated by university professors, students, and other local experts. Participants had the opportunity to explore a diverse range of STEAM topics, from building underwater robots to mastering weaving techniques and delving into neuroscience. Many workshops were conducted in both English and Spanish, ensuring accessibility for all attendees.
Inspiring Community Engagement
The event culminated with the STEAMx conference, an adaptation of TEDx talks. Three speakers shared their experiences with “productive struggle,” enlightening the audience with personal stories of overcoming challenges. Among them was an eighth grader who delivered a compelling speech on resilience, captivating the audience of over 200 people in attendance.
“It was really powerful to have the community there together,” Ottinger remarked, highlighting the collaborative spirit that characterized the event. The STEAM Youth and Community Conference not only celebrated student achievements but also fostered a sense of belonging and inspiration among attendees, reinforcing the importance of community engagement in education.
As the conference continues to grow, it remains dedicated to providing a platform for young innovators to express themselves and explore the vast possibilities within the fields of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.
