FC Participates in STEM Summit
Fullerton College helped educate nearly 2,000 families about STEM (Science Technology Engineering Mathematics) related majors during the inaugural Fullerton STEM Summit on February 24 at Sunny Hills High School. Sponsored in collaboration with the Fullerton Joint Union High School District and the Fullerton School District, the summit was designed to expose K-12 students and their families to various careers and opportunities in STEM.
Dr. Savannah Jones, Interim Vice President of Student Services at FC provided welcoming remarks on behalf of the college while various administrators, faculty and staff participated in the summit by staffing information tables, presenting workshops and showcasing STEM programs at Fullerton College. FC’s Robotics Team, ENGAGE in STEM PAL Tutors and Science Club were also present to provide hands-on demonstrations that kept the attention of the younger audience.
“This comprehensive venue for students and families was mutually beneficial,” commented Karen Rose, Director of Special Programs at FC. “Fullerton College attendees were visible and instrumental in conveying how the college is ENGAGED in STEM by using time and resources to support and advance the work of its community and educational partners.” Largely organized by the Fullerton PTA Council, Fullerton College provided $3,000 toward sponsoring the event and designated a representative to serve on the STEM Summit Committee. Other sponsors included Raytheon, Fullerton School District , and Fullerton Union High School District. The committee met for several months planning and organizing the large-scale event which included 25 exhibitors, a robust program, and donations from several local businesses and community organizations. Parent and student volunteers were also instrumental to provide assistance on the day of the summit.
Also featured during the event was a video created by FC student, Kayla Briet. Briet’s ENGAGE in STEM video was created for the program as a way to demonstrate the importance of STEM to the next generation of community college students. The video can be found on YouTube. Briet spoke briefly about her experience as a Computer Science major and her involvement with the ENGAGE in STEM program.
