Check Out Our Two Inspiring Keynote Speakers
We are excited to announce Curtis Carmichael will be joining us on Saturday, February 8, 2025 as a keynote speaker at the 2025 California STEAM Symposium! Through engaging storytelling, humor, and cognitive exercises, Carmichael will explore the future of education and how to prepare for it, highlighting the intersection of creative arts and STEAM in building inclusive learning environments that foster belonging and meet community needs.
As the son of Guyanese immigrants, Carmichael’s community-centered approach to activism and STEAM education grew from his own limited access to critical resources while living in poverty. When an unexpected injury cut short his professional football career, Carmichael embarked on a cross-country cycling journey, raising $100,000 in just 60 days to save an after-school education program from shutting down. This mission marked what he saw as a natural transition into the field of education to become a classroom STEAM teacher.
Carmichael is the bestselling author of the World’s First Augmented Reality Memoir Butterflies in the Trenches, and Forbes Top 30 Under 30 recipient. He remains motivated to approach new and adaptive outlooks on culturally responsive STEAM education with intentionality and care.
Come explore the future of STEAM with Curtis Carmichael at the 2025 California STEAM Symposium, happening February 7-8, 2025 at the Town and Country Resort in San Diego.
Also joining us as a keynote speaker at the 2025 California STEAM Symposium is Maynard Okereke, better known as the Hip Hop M.D. Okereke created Hip Hop Science with the goal of encouraging minorities and youth to pursue more advanced career paths after he noticed a lack of minority involvement in the STEM fields.
He is an award-winning Science Communicator, having received the Odyssey Award for Excellence in Social Media, the People of Change Award for his community outreach efforts, and being named NSBE’s Entrepreneur of the Year. His passion for science and entertainment, along with his curiosity for new innovation has taken him through an incredible life journey.
Come meet Maynard Okereke at the 2025 California STEAM Symposium happening February 7-8, 2025 at the Town and Country Resort Convention Center in San Diego. We can’t wait to learn from him and be inspired as we look to grow STEAM education opportunities!
Want to stay up to date on the latest STEAM happenings including news about the Symposium?
ICheck Out The Schedule and Register Today!
The Symposium will convene from Friday, Feb 7, 2025 at 7:30 am to Saturday, February 8, 2025 at 4:15 pm (PT). A comprehensive schedule will be provided closer to the event. See the schedule below for making your travel arrangements.
Thank you to our California STEAM Symposium Supporting Partners!
The Symposium is the largest convening of STEAM educators and stakeholders in California, with additional representation from 20+ American states and Canadian provinces. One key offering is the peer-led breakout sessions, where educators share their learnings and best practices with attendees.
We believe in the power of active, joyful, and engaging exploration and learning for all California students, especially those in traditionally marginalized communities. Rarely do we teach just one portion of the STEAM acronym. Connecting to the real world requires cross-content work with the goal of helping students feel safe, known, supported, and fully engaged in learning. Each year, the California STEAM Symposium provides the opportunity to learn how to readily integrate STEAM practices into your learning environment, along with strategies and resources to address students’ and educators’ social & emotional well-being to support academic progress.
All participants at the February 7-8, 2025 California STEAM Symposium will have full access to over 100+ breakout sessions in addition to dozens of Winter of CS computer science-related workshops focused on trends and equitable CS pedagogical strategies for K-12 students.
We invite all educators, paraprofessionals, administrators, and counselors who are interested in bringing computer science to their students to join us and participate in the Winter of CS workshops being held at the CA STEAM Symposium. Learn More.
You belong in STEAM. We look forward to seeing you in February 2025!
Register Today!
Together we will share knowledge, research, and stories to support each other in navigating our personal and professional journeys. The Symposium will provide a brave space for exploring equity in STEAM learning, particularly for underrepresented populations we seek to grow in STEAM: educators and students of color, girls, multilingual learners, foster youth, unsheltered students, LGBTQIA+, low socio-economic students, and those with special learning needs. Participants will embark upon this journey immediately with access to resources, collaborators, and a network that seeks to leverage STEAM education as a tool for developing STEAM identity, civic engagement, social responsibility, student agency, and other shared goals to benefit future generations.
The Symposium is a peer-led professional learning convening where participants explore innovative ways to integrate STEAM in the classroom. Along with over a thousand other TK-12 educators, you will have the chance to explore cutting-edge technologies and high-impact teaching strategies.
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We invite you to join us during our special Winter of CS convening where computer science-related workshops will be offered Feb. 7-8, 2025 at Town and County Resort in San Diego as part of the annual CA STEAM Symposium co-hosted by CDE Foundation, California Department of Education, and the Commission on the Status of Women and Girls. All are invited including K-12 educators, paraprofessionals, administrators, and counselors who are interested in bringing computer science to their students.
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Winter of CS workshops will provide an opportunity to explore how K-12 educators can integrate computer science into their classrooms.
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Dozens of peer-led breakout sessions will focus on trends and concepts in CS. The Winter of CS workshop series of breakout sessions will be interactive. Participants will have the opportunity to explore the CS concepts and practices for the grade level they teach, with ideas for classroom application.
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Participants will experience equitable CS pedagogical strategies that can be adapted to meet the needs of their students.
Winter of CS is a part of Seasons of CS and is designed for educators and school leaders to improve access, equity, and engagement in high-quality computer science education for English-learners, low-income, rural, Black, Latinx, and Indigenous students.
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Want to attend the Symposium but aren’t sure how to pay for registration and travel costs? Please check out this sample language to email to your administrator, district staff, or supervisor to advocate for funding to attend the 2025 STEAM Symposium, February 7 – 8, 2025 in San Diego.
Benefits of Participating
Register today to gain full access to these Symposium benefits:
- Customizable Professional Development – You’ll learn from your choice of breakout sessions on everything from hands-on instructional strategies to inclusive practices to promote a sense of belonging and ignite student passion.
- Innovative Tools & Resources – You’ll engage with vendors in the Expo Hall who are focused on serving the unique needs of our STEAM education community with their newest tools and resources.
- Continuing Education Units – You could choose to earn graduate-level credits for career advancement after participating in the 2025 CA STEAM Symposium.
- Equity Focus – You’ll experience a brave space for exploring equity in STEAM learning, particularly for underrepresented populations we are seeking to grow in our STEAM community: people of color, girls, multilingual learners, foster youth, unsheltered students, LGBTQIA+, low socio-economic students, and those with special learning needs.
- Student Engagement – You’ll explore the Student Showcase and learn from student teams and their mentors as they demonstrate how to leverage STEAM education as a tool for developing STEAM Identity, civic engagement, social responsibility, and student agency.
- Inspirational Content – You’ll experience our thought-provoking speakers and breakout session content.
- Networking – You’ll have the opportunity to connect with educators, school leaders, developers, and students – sharing insights, strategies, and best practices that sustain and optimize learning environments in TK-12. Learn how to build stronger partnerships with families and community organizations to enhance learning experiences within the school day and beyond.
The CA STEAM Symposium is co-hosted by the Californians Dedicated to Education Foundation (CDEF), the California Department of Education, and the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls.
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Thank you to our generous partners who make the CA STEAM Symposium possible!
Want to stay up to date on the latest STEAM happenings including news about the Symposium?
ISTEAM In The Community: Supporting Pre-Service Teachers
This past February, a group of University of California Los Angeles pre-service teachers traveled to participate in the Winter of CS at the annual California STEAM Symposium. The team of future educators joined over 1400 TK-12 educators and STEAM education stakeholders in a two-day event focused on professional development, networking, and access to new STEAM-related resources.
“It warms my heart to know that there are so many people who are so willing to support us in our journey to improve and grow as teachers,” said Celine Cheng, a student teacher and ninth-grade Biology teacher. “I hope I can take the lessons I’ve learned to pay it forward to our students in the future.”
Check out our inaugural CA STEAM Initiatives’ blog which celebrates stories of STEAM education in California.
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STEAM in the Community: Fostering PD in Perris, California
Read The Power of Leadership: Early Learning STEAM Integration in Perris, CA. The blog is part one of a two-part series featuring Jennifer Hunter, principal of the Railway School of Math, Science, and Technology, an elementary school in Perris, California. Learn more about how and why she prioritizes integrating STEAM and literacy in early school years. The second part of this two-part series looks at how school leadership can empower STEAM.
STEAM in the Community: Place-Based STEAM Learning in Arvin and Lamont, CA
This past March, twenty-nine high school students in Arvin and Lamont, California, and a team of educators embarked on a learning journey that began at César Chávez National Monument and culminated this June in Sequoia National Park. Students created STEAM-infused projects that demonstrated the intersection of data literacy, geospatial thinking, and place-based learning as a pathway for youth-led change in the community. One of the educators who co-developed the program shared how she made this experience happen, and lessons learned for other educators who wish to inspire STEAM learning in their own students.
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Wow! What a summer!
This summer, county offices of education across California offered regional virtual and in-person Computer Science professional learning opportunities to enhance instruction of the California K-12 Computer Science Standards. Check out what was offered as part of Summer of CS and the statewide CSPDWeek.
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Check out our podcast series: STEAM in CA!
In our first episode, Katherine Goyette, from the California Department of Education (CDE), and Karyn Warner, Associate Director of STEAM Initiatives at CDE Foundation, talk with Stephen Callahan about the impact his FabLab (a 7,000-square-foot makerspace) at San Joaquin County Office of Education (SJCOE) is having on student learning. Additionally, Stephen provides real-world examples of how to integrate STEAM during the school day and how to make the learning relevant to students’ lives. Listen now!
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The California STEAM Symposium is led by CDE Foundation staff and is supported by a dynamic team assisting with vision, marketing, registration, and event coordination. Glennon Stratton, Karyn Warner, Yadira Guererro, and Lynn Baltazar are committed to bringing STEAM learning opportunities to all California students and sharing the impact STEAM education has had on their own lives.
Our Initiatives
- The annual California STEAM Symposium is a peer-led professional learning convening where participants explore innovative ways to integrate STEAM in the classroom. The Symposium is committed to advancing equity in STEAM and focuses on the theme You Belong in STEAM where participants explore creating conditions to nurture student agency, identity, and inclusion through joyful STEAM learning experiences. We encourage team participation where participants can learn high-impact STEAM integration strategies together as a team, and can support each other through implementation after the event. The event is co-hosted with the California Department of Education and the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls.
- The Seasons of CS is a year-round professional learning model for California educators, paraprofessionals, administrators, and counselors who are interested in bringing computer science to their students. It is funded by the California Department of Education and the Educator Workforce Investment Grant, and supported by California County Offices, CSforCA Coalition, the Sacramento County Office of Education, the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools, and the UCLA Center X.
Thank You To Our STEAM Initiatives Steering Committee!
Our Steering Committee members are STEAM leaders and help keep the annual STEAM Symposium connected to the needs of educators as they provide essential feedback. We appreciate the time and expertise of our 2024/2025 STEAM Initiatives Steering Committee members:
- Amna Ahmad, Moreno Valley Unified School District Professional Development Specialist
- Rosanna Ayers, University of California, Merced
- Paul Bailey, Western Center Academy, Executive Director
- Chris Breazeale, California Department of Education
- Dave Chun, Director, K-12 Mathematics, Sacramento County Office of Education
- Jon Dueck, Count Play Explore Coordinator
- Jeannine Flores, Los Angeles County Office of Education Arts & STEAM Coordinator
- Amy Frame, Ten Strands
- Carlos Gonzalez, Associate Director, Programming and Special Initiatives, CA MESA
- Doug Henderson, Val Verde Unified School District Director-STEAM
- Jennifer Hunter, Railway School of Math, Science and Technology Principal
- Nathan Inouye, Moorpark Unified School District Assistant Director of Instructional Services
- Merry Kim, UC Davis C-STEM Center, Assistant Director for Partnerships
- Brieana Johnson, The Education Trust-West
- Corinne Lardy, Sacramento State University Associate Professor
- Sara Morrison, San Diego School of the Creative & Performing Arts, Physics Teacher
- Renee Ousley-Swank, California Department of Education
- Jeff Rivero, Merced Union High School District \ UN 17 SDGs Teacher \ Ambassador
- Anthony Quan, Los Angeles County Office of Education STEM Science Coordinator
- Jaspreet Sandha, Los Angeles Unified School District
- Jessica Sawko, Children Now
- Henri Shimojyo, Logos Education Systems STEM/Science Senior Lead Consultant
- Yamileth Shimojyo, Riverside County Office of Education, STEM Administrator
- Jerry Song, Los Angeles Unified School District
- Deepika Srivastava, Redlands Unified School District, STEAM & Innovation Coordinator
- Molly Stitt, California Department of Education
- Sue Thotz, Commonsense.org
- Fred Uy, CSU Office of the Chancellor, Director, Educator & Leadership Programs
- Glenn Warren, Laguna Beach Unified School District, Digital Media & Library Specialist
- Kate Welsh, Exploratorium Institute for Inquiry Senior Science Educator
Contact Our Team
- General STEAM Symposium questions: email steamsymposium@cdefoundation.org
- Presentations, programming, and student showcase questions: email Karyn Warner
- Educator Workforce Investment Grant (EWIG) questions: email Yadira Guerrero and email Lynn Baltazar
- Stipend and travel reimbursement information: email seasonsofcs@cdefoundation.org
- Sponsorship & Exhibitor questions: email Glennon Stratton
Curious about our partnership opportunities? Check out our #CASTEAM25 Partnership Opportunities deck.
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Want to stay up to date on the latest STEAM happenings?
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Check out our inaugural CA STEAM Initiatives’ blog which celebrates stories of STEAM education in California.
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Read The Power of Leadership: Early Learning STEAM Integration in Perris, CA. The blog is part one of a two-part series featuring Jennifer Hunter, principal of the Railway School of Math, Science, and Technology, an elementary school in Perris, California. Learn more about how and why she prioritizes integrating STEAM and literacy in early school years. The second part of this two-part series looks at how school leadership can empower STEAM.
STEAM In The Community: Building Belonging in STEAM with Seasons of CS
Since the launch of Seasons of CS, more than 1,500 educators have participated in workshops across the seven regions of California’s Statewide System of Support. A CS Champion from Region 7, Omar Shepherd, shared his experience supporting the Seasons of CS, and the importance of professional learning that affirms belonging in STEAM and the interdisciplinary integration of CS.
STEAM In The Community: Supporting Pre-Service Teachers
This past February, a group of University of California Los Angeles pre-service teachers traveled to participate in the Winter of CS at the annual California STEAM Symposium. The team of future educators joined over 1400 TK-12 educators and STEAM education stakeholders in a two-day event focused on professional development, networking, and access to new STEAM-related resources.
“It warms my heart to know that there are so many people who are so willing to support us in our journey to improve and grow as teachers,” said Celine Cheng, a student teacher and ninth-grade Biology teacher. “I hope I can take the lessons I’ve learned to pay it forward to our students in the future.”
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STEAM in the Community: Place-Based STEAM Learning in Arvin and Lamont, CA
This past March, twenty-nine high school students in Arvin and Lamont, California, and a team of educators embarked on a learning journey that began at César Chávez National Monument and culminated this June in Sequoia National Park. Students created STEAM-infused projects that demonstrated the intersection of data literacy, geospatial thinking, and place-based learning as a pathway for youth-led change in the community. One of the educators who co-developed the program shared how she made this experience happen, and lessons learned for other educators who wish to inspire STEAM learning in their own students.
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Want to stay up to date on the latest STEAM happenings?
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IListen to our podcast series: STEAM in CA!
Innovative practices, new resources, and practical solutions for benefitting our students and educational communities. Connect with us at CA STEAM Learning as we explore news in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) education with fellow educators and technologists!
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Lunch Bites is a free professional learning series produced by the California STEAM Symposium team.
Even as the news is changing daily, what remains is the need within our community to feel connected to each other, grow professionally, and share resources. Take a stretch break, grab your lunch, and learn with us as we examine the realities and opportunities of delivering lessons in any learning environment. Subscribe to the podcast on the Apple, Spotify, and Google podcast platforms. View all webinars on the CDEF YouTube page. Lunch Bites is made possible through our partnership with Chevron, the human energy company. To learn more about their generous support of STEM Education visit STEM Education Partnerships & Investments — Chevron.com.
Podcast Episode 17: Karen Vang – STEAM and Early Learning
In this episode, Karen Vang shares how STEAM intersects with Early Education, various Early Learning practices which are transferable at all grade levels, and how hands-on, project-based learning includes a lot of intangibles that are hard to measure, but you can determine impact on student learning.
Karen Vang is the Program Manager at the Center for District Innovation And Leadership in Early Education (DIAL EE). Before joining DIAL EE, Karen was responsible for managing early literacy assessments in Oakland, CA, for over 1000 children, conducting data analysis for continuous program improvement, and coordinating professional development across multiple agencies at the Kenneth Rainin Foundation. She initially began her career in early childcare as a student assistant with infants and toddlers, and has also worked as a literacy tutor in a Transitional Kindergarten classroom. Karen holds a BA from the University of California, Berkeley.
Make sure to visit: DIALEE
Podcast Episode 16: Building Powerful Partnerships To Support Student Learning
Anita Miller, Advisor for Chevron Education and Corporate Programs, and Jesse Lovejoy, Director of 49ers EDU and 49ers Museum, provide an honest look behind the scenes at how successful partnerships begin, what the growing pains are, and ideas for how everyone, from classroom teachers to district leadership, can develop partnerships to positively impact their students’ lives.
Make sure to visit the Chevron STEM Zone and 49ers EDU.
This episode features the California Science Center, the Lawrence Hall of Science, and the Exploratorium. We discuss creative opportunities for partnering with community educators as the Expanded Learning Division at the California Department of Education administers a significant amount of grant funding to address learning loss and recovery.
Resources Mentioned:
Podcast Episode 15: Seize the Moment with Expanded Learning Opportunities Grants
Michael Funk, Director of the Expanded Learning Division at the California Department of Education, encourages every educator to seize the moment with the Expanded Learning Opportunities (ELO) Grants. He encourages looking for community solutions to support student growth this summer and beyond while also providing tangible examples for Local Education Agencies and Expanded Learning Partners.
Resources Mentioned:
- Free Event: 5/5/21, 9am-3pm PT – A Whole Child Approach to the AB86 Expanded Learning Opportunities (ELO) Grant Convening
- California Collaborative for Educational Excellence
- California AfterSchool Network
- Expanded Learning Opportunities Grants Frequently Asked Questions
- AB-86 COVID-19 relief and school reopening, reporting, and public health requirements
- COVID-19 Relief Funding Summary Sheet from CDE
Podcast Episode 14: Science Advocacy & Inclusive Practices
Jessica Sawko, Associate Director of the California STEM Network, and Juanita Chan, STEM and College and Careers Pathway Coordinator for Rialto Unified School District, join us. We discuss rethinking inclusive practices for a post-distance learning world, and they give tips for advocating for science no matter your role in education.
Our guests also talk about the challenge with measuring potential learning loss and the need for assessments to provide data points to inform the LCAP process occurring now in districts. Both guests also share tools to assist educators in advocating for Science.
Resources Mentioned in this Episode:
CA4NGSS: Science Advocacy CommunicationsToolkit – Curated core messages, slide presentations, and other communication toolkits
Opportunity for Successful Science Implementation in a Post-Pandemic Climate – Guidance for using the LCAP to Mitigate Science Learning Loss
Note: This was recorded while the state was still in negotiations with the U.S. Department of Education regarding the State Board approved plan for assessment for the 2020/2021. For the latest information on science and other state testing requirements for 2020/2021, please visit CDE’s website.
“I am optimistic. We went through a really hard time this last year and I am optimistic that we are going to rebuild better and that this is an opportunity for us to really think about what is best for kids, families, and teachers. People are really understanding the benefits are starting early and I’m really hopeful that this will turn into action.”
We welcome Patricia Lozano, Executive Director of Early Edge California, to explore the recently released report, Building A Coherent P-12 Education System In California, and reflect on the report’s kick-off webinar. She shares about her journey from Colombia to California. She also lends her expertise to highlight family engagement strategies and the benefits of supporting our multilingual students and families.
Resources Mentioned in this Episode:
Executive Summary – Building A Coherent P-12 Education System In California
Full Report – Building A Coherent P-12 Education System In California
Webinar Recording – Improving A Child’s Education Journey: A Conversation About K-12 Policy & Early Learning in California
We explore the recently released Guide To Arts Education In Public Education that was developed by the California State PTA and Create/CA. The guide was created in response to the updated California Arts Standards developed by the California Department of Education. While designed for parents, this guide has many useful resources for educators at every grade level and is also available in both English and Spanish. Learn more about the power of the arts, how to become an Arts Equity District, and the various ways this arts guide can be utilized in your education community by listening today.
Resources Mentioned in this Episode:
Parents’ Guide To Arts Education In Public Education
Creative Industries Career Map
The Declaration of the Rights of All Students to Equity in Arts Learning
How to become an Arts Equity District
California Arts Standards
Webinar Episode 15: Empowering Students with Website Creation Tools with Wix Education
11:30-Noon P.T., Thursday, February 25, 2021
Episode 15: Slide Deck & Resources
Podcast Episode 11: 49ers EDU: The Intersection of Sports and STEAM with Sofy Navarro & Sara Jin
We are excited to share our conversation with 49ers EDU team members Sofy Navarro, Senior Manager, and Sara Jin, Lead Educator. In this episode, we discuss their pivot from in-person learning experiences to inspiring digital learning, how to be more inclusive of females in STEAM, and some great engaging resources for your learning environment.
Resources Mentioned:
49ers EDU Interactive Digital Playbook
49ers EDU PDF Digital Playbook
49ers EDU Website
49ers EDU #LunchBites Webinar Video
Podcast Episode 10: A Pathway to Equitable Math Instruction with Dani Wadlington & Kyndall Brown
We discuss equitable math and dismantling racism in mathematics instruction with Dani Wadlington, Director of Mathematics Education at Quetzal Education Consulting and Kyndall Brown, Executive Director at the California Mathematics Project. We take a close look at both individual and school-wide approaches to anti-racist practices in education. Dani and Kyndall also share about their contributions to the “A Pathway To Equitable Math Instruction” project which includes a newly available workbook that models how to be an anti-racist math educator.
Resources mentioned: equitablemath.org
Webinar Episode 14: Sports and STEAM with 49ers EDU
11:30-Noon P.T., Thursday, October 29
Episode 14: Slide Deck & Resources
Podcast Episode 9: Compassion Centered Education
“The other thing you can do is to practice self-compassion. Love yourself. Be kind to yourself. Extend the grace you would afford to anyone else going through tremendous turmoil to yourself. You’re worth it!”
Dr. Jacquelyn Ollison is the Program Director of the California Teacher Residency Lab at CDE Foundation. She is a committed educator with extensive education experience as a teacher and school site, district, and state administrator. Dr. Jacquelyn Ollison addresses the issue of compassion fatigue, and how teachers suffer from the emotional labor of serving their students.
Resources Mentioned:
Read her blog: Compassion Centered Education
Watch her TEDx Talk: Compassion Fatigue
Podcast Episode 8: Early Education & STEAM
“Every last one of us is responsible for the world we live in. When we are asking our children to be better than that, we should be asking ourselves the same thing. Despite everything that is going on…a pandemic, a fiscal depression, serious climate change, and civil unrest, we have to see another way… We have created this. If we want to create a different reality, THIS is the day we do it. And I’m thinking ahead about STEAM and the Symposium. This is the time to think about how we do this better.”
Carla Bryant is the Executive Director and creator of the District Innovation and Leadership for Early Education (DIAL EE) supporting school districts as they create and implement effective early learning structures that assist children from communities with less social, political, and monetary capital build a strong educational foundation.
Resources Mentioned:
White Paper: Recommendations for Home Learning Materials
Webinar Episode 13: Creating Conditions To Thrive: A Pathway To Equitable Math Instruction
11:30-Noon P.T., Thursday, October 8
Episode 13: Slide Deck and Resources
Podcast Episode 7: Culturally Relevant Phenomena In Science
This week’s episode features Dr. Leena Bakshi, founder and executive director of the nonprofit, STEM 4 Real. She introduces the concept of culturally relevant phenomena and provides tangible examples of how educators can use them in their classrooms. She also addresses anti-racism in STEM classrooms and shares her reflections on our Building Community With STEAM Pre-Conference in August.
Resources Mentioned:
www.teachingtolerance.org
www.stem4real.org
Podcast Episode 6: A Student’s Perspective: Welcoming BIPOC Students To STEAM
This week’s episode features Ashley Alvarez, a 2020 high school graduate who is starting her freshman year at Harvard this fall. You may recognize Ashley from the Social Justice Learning Institute student panel at our Building Community With STEAM Pre-Conference in August. She reflects on her recent experience as a summer intern on the STEAM Team at the CDE Foundation during a global pandemic and a national reckoning on racial justice.
Podcast Episode 5: Creating a Trusting School Environment with Hayin Kimner and Gustavo Morales
This week’s episode focuses on utilizing strategic frameworks from Community Schools, a relationship-based way to approach student growth. Our guests are Hayin Kimner, an education policy advisor, and Gustavo Morales, the Program Manager of The CA Labor Management Initiative at CDE Foundation reflect on the PACE Report, Community Schools: A COVID-19 Recovery Strategy, and share their experiences helping students, families, educators, and community partners come together to create a trusting school environment.
Webinar Episode 12: Spark A Family’s Excitement For Science with the California State PTA
11:30-Noon P.T., Thursday, August 20
Episode 12: Slide Deck & Resources
Podcast Episode 4: Edwin Kang – Staying Connected With Students When You Are At A Distance
This week’s podcast features Edwin Kang, the STEM Specialist at the Mendocino County Office of Education. He speaks about how he has been supporting students and teachers not only here in California, but also in Indonesia and Borneo. He shares his biggest take-away from the Lunch Bites “Creativity and Engineering with Household Robotics” webinar episode with the Robotics Education & Competition Foundation.
Podcast Episode 3: Jean Ryoo – Equity & Creativity in Computer Science
This week’s podcast features Jean Ryoo, a researcher at the UCLA Computer Science Equity Project. She shares her interview with a recent high school graduate, Natalia, from the #SummerofCS. They discuss how to attract more youth to Computer Science, STEAM-related classes, and careers. Jean also reflects on her experience working at the Exploratorium, and how her current work with educators shapes effective pedagogical practices to promote academic engagement for students who have historically been denied access to quality education in Computer Science. Visit www.summerofcs.org for more information about the Summer of Computer Science.
Jean Ryoo’s Recommended Reading List:
“Race After Technology” by Ruha Benjamin
“Weapons of Mass Destruction” by Margaret Vandenburg
“Stuck in the Shallow End” by Jane Morgolis and her team
“Algorithms of Oppression” by Safiya Umoja Noble
“Automating Inequality” by Virginia Eubanks
Podcast Episode 2: Yamileth Shimojyo – Hands-On Distance Learning & the Power of Thinking Routines
This week’s podcast features Yamileth Shimojyo, STEM/Science Administrator at the Riverside County Office of Education. She reacts to a presentation about the power of thinking routines that was led by Justin Boner of Maker Ed and shares about how she has used these tools in her role. The referenced webinar recording, slide deck, and resources are below.
Podcast Episode 1: Albert David Valderrama – Mathematics Through the Lens of Social Justice
This podcast features Albert David Valderrama, an educator, as he shares reflections on his international career and his teacher credentialing program at Cal State University Long Beach. He reacts to the California Mathematics Project’s Executive Director, Dr. Kyndall Brown’s presentation on Math Through the Lens of Social Justice (scroll down for the webinar recording and slide deck with resources). He also revisits Dr. Chris Emdin’s 2019 California STEAM Symposium keynote presentation focused on the use of Hip Hop in education.
Thank you for an amazing Spring 2020 season of #LunchBites Webinars! Be sure to check out our yearbook that includes links to all of the resources!
#LunchBites Spring 2020 Yearbook
Episode 11: The SUPERpower of Celebration!
11:30-Noon, Thursday, May 28, 2020
Episode 11: Slide Deck and Resources
Episode 10: Let’s Make! Supporting Families With Innovative At-Home Activities
11:30-Noon, Thursday, May 21, 2020
Episode 10: Slide Deck and Resources
Episode 9: Bookmaking: Connecting With Students Through Art
11:30-Noon, Thursday, May 14, 2020
Episode 9: Slide Deck and Resources
Episode 8: Mathematics Through the Lens of Social Justice
11:30-Noon, Thursday, May 7, 2020
Episode 8: Slide Deck and Resources
Episode 7: Making Thinking Visible with MakerEd
11:30-Noon, Thursday, April 30, 2020
Episode 7: Slide Deck and Resources
Episode 6: Creativity and Engineering with Household Robotics
11:30-Noon, Thursday, April 23, 2020
Episode 6: Slide Deck and Resources
Episode 5: Supporting Language Learners at Home
11:30-Noon, Thursday, April 16, 2020
Episode 5: Slide Deck and Resources
Episode 4: Birds, Bugs & Clouds: Guiding Scientific Observation at Home
11:30-Noon, Thursday, April 9, 2020
Episode 4: Slide Deck and Resources
Episode 3: Hands-On Learning in a Virtual Environment
11:30-Noon, Thursday, April 2, 2020
Episode 3: Slide Deck and Resources
View Episode 3 below. Please like, share and sign up for the next one!
Episode 2: Student Discourse in a Virtual Classroom
11:30-Noon, Thursday, March 26, 2020
Episode 2: Slide Deck and Resources
View Episode 2 below. Please like, share and sign up for the next one!
Episode 1: Digital Lesson Planning
11:30-Noon, Friday, March 20, 2020
Episode 1: Slide Deck & Resources
View Episode 1 below. Please like, share and sign up for the next one!
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Want to stay up to date on the latest STEAM happenings?
THANK YOU TO OUR #CASTEAM25 SUPPORTING PARTNERS
Our team is incredibly thankful to our corporate sponsors, philanthropic partners, and public sector allies across the state! With your support, the California STEAM Symposium can reach, educate, and engage thousands of participants each year. We appreciate you!
Curious about our partnership opportunities? Check out our Partnership Opportunities deck.
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Want to stay up to date on the latest STEAM happenings?
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Connect with our STEAM Community. Exhibitor Registration is now open.
Check out our #CASTEAM25 Partnership Opportunities Deck.
The California STEAM Symposium is the largest gathering of STEAM educators in the state. Our Symposium on Feb. 7-8, 2025 in San Diego, CA will celebrate the 12th anniversary of this landmark event! Our event demographics reflect the education practitioners and decision-makers best positioned to engage with your brand. California STEAM Symposium provides best-in-class, peer-led, industry-leading professional development events, as well as year-round programming, including webinars, podcasts, peer mentoring networks, professional learning communities, and special events.
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- INCREASE NAME RECOGNITION AS A SPONSOR The Symposium’s high-impact engagement options will give your company the competitive edge to stand out in the crowd and be recognized as a leading partner in STEAM education.
- SHOWCASE YOUR ORGANIZATION AS AN EXHIBITOR The Symposium is a rich environment to demonstrate your products and services to leaders in education. This is your chance to provide participants with solutions to some of their biggest challenges.
- EXTEND BRAND AWARENESS VIA MARKETING OPPORTUNITIES Expand your organization’s message beyond your exhibit booth to capture our participants’ attention when you take advantage of additional engagement opportunities.
The 12th annual California STEAM Symposium will offer multiple options to partner and achieve your objectives. Become a sponsor and create strategic sales opportunities, establish market leadership, and enhance brand recognition with your target audiences.
An initiative of Californians Dedicated to Education Foundation and co-hosted by the California Department of Education and the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls, the Symposium brings together thousands of teachers, administrators, students, higher-education representatives, program providers, and philanthropic and industry partners to learn how to improve and expand STEAM teaching in schools and throughout communities. Throughout the event, we will come together to explore high-quality strategies to cultivate systems that promote life-long learning for everyone through inclusive and targeted practices, high-impact techniques, and policies, whether from a classroom or organizational point of view. These approaches promote a sense of belonging and ignite student passion for learning as well as support the social-emotional development of our education community.
Become an exhibitor at the 2025 California STEAM Symposium to meet and gain exposure with educators seeking new and innovative solutions to STEAM education challenges!
Together we will share knowledge, research, and stories to support each other in navigating our personal and professional journeys. Support the Symposium with a variety of activations or combine any element(s) into a custom partnership. Additional opportunities will include signage at the Symposium, as well as recognition in the mobile app and online digital schedule. Contact STEAMSymposium@cdefoundation.org with any questions.
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Our Co-Hosts
The STEAM Symposium is co-hosted by the Californians Dedicated to Education Foundation, the California Department of Education and the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls. CDEF works to create programs to increase educational opportunities and success for California’s students. CDEF’s vision is that every public school in California has engaged students, effective teachers and leaders, enriching environments where every student can reach his or her full potential, and supportive communities that believe in the value and quality of public education.
California Department of Education – California will provide a world-class education for all students, from early childhood to adulthood. The Department of Education serves our state by innovating and collaborating with educators, schools, parents, and community partners. Together, as a team, we prepare students to live, work, and thrive in a multicultural, multilingual, and highly connected world.
California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls – For more than 50 years, the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls has identified and worked to eliminate inequities in state laws, practices, and conditions that affect California’s women and girls. Established as a state agency with 17 appointed commissioners in 1965, the Commission regularly assesses gender equity in health, safety, employment, education, and equal representation in the military, and the media. The Commission provides leadership through research, policy and program development, education, outreach and collaboration, advocacy, and strategic partnerships.
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FAQs
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Q: When and where will the next California STEAM Symposium be held?
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WHO SHOULD ATTEND
California Educators, from PK-12, who have, currently are or plan to align their curriculum and instruction with STEAM learning and opportunities, the Environmental Principles and Concepts (EP&Cs), and the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Particularly, those seeking curricular integration and Maker-driven learning environments.
California’s District and County Curriculum Administrators working to challenge today’s students and better prepare them for college and 21st-century careers, scale STEAM professional learning and discover ways to broaden quality STEAM education on a systemic level.
Higher Education Professionals leading pre-service teaching programs and other pathways to increase and improve the STEAM educator pipeline, as well as those working on inclusive recruitment and persistence initiatives for STEAM majors.
National and California Associations and Non-Profit Organizations that promote STEAM awareness and solutions in California schools.
Community Programs and Foundations that are looking to support and partner with California educators and school districts on successful, scalable programs.
Educational Technology Companies promoting new ways of learning—in and out of the classroom.
STEAM Industry Business Partners who understand the importance of strong STEAM learning and skills needed to succeed in our 21st-century world.
Policymakers who work on innovative partnerships with STEAM industry partners, local schools and districts, and government to support accessible and equitable student learning and STEAM-career experience.
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We invite you to join us during our special Winter of CS convening where computer science-related workshops will be offered Feb. 7-8, 2025 at Town and County Resort in San Diego as part of the annual CA STEAM Symposium co-hosted by CDE Foundation, California Department of Education, and the Commission on the Status of Women and Girls. All are invited including K-12 educators, paraprofessionals, administrators, and counselors who are interested in bringing computer science to their students.
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Winter of CS workshops will provide an opportunity to explore how K-12 educators can integrate computer science into their classrooms.
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Dozens of peer-led breakout sessions will focus on trends and concepts in CS. The Winter of CS workshop series of breakout sessions will be interactive. Participants will have the opportunity to explore the CS concepts and practices for the grade level they teach, with ideas for classroom application.
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Participants will experience equitable CS pedagogical strategies that can be adapted to meet the needs of their students.
Winter of CS is a part of Seasons of CS and is designed for educators and school leaders to improve access, equity, and engagement in high-quality computer science education for English-learners, low-income, rural, Black, Latinx, and Indigenous students.