More than 1000 students and parents heard from a distinguished alumna, a panel of young STEAM innovators, and experienced the excitement of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics on Saturday at MVUSD’s annual STEAM Unity Expo.
The gym, quad, and hallways of Valley View High School were full as attendees explored dozens of hands-on exhibits and displays. The exhibits ranged from green screen video making, painting, and even flying a drone. The quad was full of Riverside Sheriff's Department vehicles, safe viewing of the sun through telescopes, and Moreno Valley College’s iMake Mobile Innovation Center.
The keynote speaker was Dr. Takesha Cooper, a Canyon Springs High School alumna who is now a child and adolescent psychiatrist with Riverside County Department of Mental Health and an assistant clinical professor of psychiatry at UC Riverside.
After the keynote, a panel from the National College Resources Foundation, presented an engaging discussion of their paths to STEAM-related careers.
All four board members, Jesus Holguin, president; Cleveland Johnson, vice president; Dr. Marsha Locke, clerk; and Susan Smith, member; and Superintendent Dr. Martinrex Kedziora attended to interact with the families in attendance.
“This event was an amazing day where we were able to expose our students to a variety of STEAM-related careers.” said Board President Jesus Holguin, “We were so excited to see the huge crowd join us for an event that may inspire the students of Moreno Valley to reach higher and pursue an education to learn 21st-century job skills.”
“STEAM careers are some of the fastest growing options for our students,” said Superintendent Dr. Martinrex Kedziora, “At Moreno Valley Unified School District, we want to open the doors for all students to have the option to choose the path that fits them the best.”
The event was a joint collaboration with the Professional Development, English Language Learners, and Student Services Departments, under the direction of Dr. Sue Buster, Director of Professional Development and Digital Learning; Lilia Villa, Director of English Language Learners; and Dr. Lynn Sheffield, Director of Student Services.