Quincy Carr
Hey, guys. Welcome back to Main Street Living. Cheryl, we are entering the science and engineering theme. How cool is that?
Cheryl Nelson
Yes, Quincy, You know, I love that stuff. And joining us now is Sara Pagano, managing director of Generation Steam. Thanks so much for being with us today here on Main Street Living.
Sara Pagano
Yeah, thanks for having me. Hey there, Sarah.
Quincy Carr
You know, it is the 16th year. Okay. So how has the San Diego Festival of Science and Engineering evolved?
Sara Pagano
You know, I think each year we work really hard to make sure we’re adding places and experiences for kids of all ages and different diversities to make sure that they’re really getting an outside-the-box opportunity that they don’t get in the classroom when they come to any of our programming.
Cheryl Nelson
Nice. Yeah. And for 2024, I know we see exhibitors really all over lots of organizations, universities, military, and even TaylorMade who make golf equipment. So why is it so important for these companies and people to be a part of this expo and showcase their science and engineering specialties?
Sara Pagano
Yeah, you know, science, technology, engineering, arts and math. It’s really about how we live every day and it’s a part of everything we do. So I think companies like you mentioned TaylorMade, you know, they can break down what they do through different scientific ways in their technology that they use to show that it’s a part of your everyday life.
So we have an amazing amount of industry companies here in San Diego, throughout the county and throughout Southern California. And the breadth of opportunity that’s here for our students is it’s just undeniable. So I think that we need to showcase more of that because a lot of people don’t even realize what’s here in their backyard. They don’t understand the opportunity they have here. They can go to school here. They can have research projects here. They can be part of these major companies that are located in San Diego, but that are making impacts globally. All around the world. So it’s really important that we focus on that.
Quincy Carr
Yeah, you know, the focus and the impact, all of that is important, especially being right there in your backyard. Besides all of the fun exhibits, on the flip side, why is it so important for the community to come out and learn about the amazing technical abilities of the scientists and engineers who come out each year?
Sara Pagano
Yeah, you know, I think that it’s really important for students to see people that look like them because I think that once they are exposed to different career paths and they are able to ask questions in person and have these opportunities that they may not get on an everyday basis, that it opens their eyes to the possibilities of their own futures and what they can do. And we want to make sure that they know that anything is possible, they can reach it. This is an opportunity for families to engage together. And we know that when families are together in learning they can bring it back home, they can talk about it, and it just helps open up those conversations for future career growth for the students themselves.
Cheryl Nelson
And it’s a great support system to have everybody working together as a team, saying reach for the stars, You can do this. So what would you say are some of your favorite exhibits over the years and maybe some that you’ve been most excited about this year?
Sara Pagano
Yeah, you know, science, technology, engineering, arts and math. It’s really about how we live every day and it’s a part of everything we do. So I think companies like you mentioned TaylorMade, you know, they can break down what they do through different scientific ways in their techniques. They come on-site, and they’re blowing things up. They’re using nuclear fusion. They’re really showing the relevance of what they do with their technology in everyday life. So, you know, we have them.
We have all types of animals and reptiles. We have rapping mathematicians, we have steam music concerts. We have kids that get up and they do mini TED talks about all the things they’ve learned throughout the year.
So it’s just an experience for all ages. We like to say pre-K to GRE and just really ensuring that there is diversity amongst, you know, the exhibitors that are there, the people that attend and the experience as a whole.
Quincy Carr
So I get it now, you know, from the from what grade? How did you say it… was from the something grade?
Sara Pagano
Yeah, I said pre-K grade. So we heard that there’s something for all ages. We have an actual pre-K area. We have a lot of exhibits that are geared towards elementary, middle, and high school. We have a specialty program this year that is called College and Career Connections. High school students can come and engage in conversations with different colleges in industry career paths, as well as some military representation to kind of see which path might be best for them and that they can access it here, you know, throughout the state. We’ll also have a special panel for them to experience about college life so they can ask other college students sort of what that transition felt like and how they need to be prepared for that high school going on to their freshman year of college.
Quincy Carr
So, Cheryl, I know you probably had this question, too, on the stand. Sarah, you have a slime booth now. You’re not a kid anymore, but will you be participating or are you too busy about that?
Sara Pagano
You know, I will tell you that is one of the most popular amongst every age that attends it. You don’t have to be one of the elementary-age students to attend the slime booth. It is a very popular and famous booth for everyone who attends.
Cheryl Nelson
Yes. Q, I want to get you slimed, but Sarah, thank you so much for joining us today. We really appreciate everything you’re doing, and we wish you all the best.
Sara Pagano
Thank you. Thanks for having me.
Cheryl Nelson
Absolutely. That looks like so much fun, Q. Kids getting into that STEAM program and doing amazing things.
