Last month, the University of San Diego hosted its largest STEAM Youth and Community Conference to date, attracting over 700 attendees. This ninth annual event, organized by the Jacobs Institute for Innovation in Education, showcased more than 40 student presentations and numerous interactive STEAM-themed workshops.
Significant Growth and Community Engagement
The conference has evolved since its inception, addressing a growing need for resources that empower young people in the fields of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. According to Rebecca Ottinger, Project Manager at USD, the initial conference was launched by three faculty members who recognized the importance of creating a supportive environment for youth.
“It was the largest turnout we’ve ever had,” Ottinger said. “700 people were coming together as a community for the day, and the energy was really electric.” Local organizations, including the San Diego Unified School District, the San Diego Foundation, and Young Echelon, contributed to the event’s expansion, demonstrating increased community involvement.
In previous years, the conference was traditionally preceded by a summer program known as STEAM Academy, which offered immersive two-week experiences in various subjects such as robotics and dance. While the academy was not held this year, alternative summer camps, including VisMO Summer Adventure and ImPactful Teen Innovation Sandbox, inspired creative problem-solving among participants.
A Day Filled with Innovation and Learning
The VisMO Summer Adventure creatively integrated origami with the popular game Minecraft, enhancing students’ spatial awareness and mathematics skills. The Innovation Sandbox guided students in producing and broadcasting their own live podcasts, further promoting innovation.
During the conference, students who participated in these camps presented their projects, alongside presentations from their peers throughout San Diego. The event featured 30 interactive workshops led by university professors, students, and local experts, covering diverse topics such as building underwater robots, the art of weaving, exploring neuroscience, and constructing musical organs.
Many workshops were offered in both English and Spanish, ensuring accessibility for a wider audience. “Everything that we do is really about reimagining teaching and learning, allowing students to embrace their unique selves,” Ottinger remarked.
The conference concluded with the STEAMx segment, modeled after TEDx talks, where three speakers shared their experiences with “productive struggle.” An eighth grader, in particular, delivered a powerful speech about overcoming adversity, captivating an audience of over 200 attendees. “It was really powerful to have the community be there together,” Ottinger noted.
Overall, this year’s STEAM Youth and Community Conference not only highlighted the incredible talent of young participants but also reinforced the importance of community engagement in fostering innovation and learning.
