‘STEAM’ Fair comes to Rosewood

See how this celebration offered opportunities to outer East Portland kids and adults in the greater Rosewood service area …

Many families come to Rosewood, in the Centennial neighborhood, to learn about various local educational and job “STEAM” opportunities.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

Families strolled among tables set up at Rosewood on August 29, taking in the exhibits, and talking with representatives from a wide variety of groups – at the first “East Metro STEAM Community Roadmap” event.

“The purpose of our ‘Community Roadmap’ is to expose East Multnomah County students and families to education and career opportunities in the Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics [STEAM] fields,” said Oregon MESA Executive Director Dr. Tong Zhang PhD, adding that the organization’s own acronym stands for “Math Engineering Science Achievement”.

Science and technical education and jobs flourish in the area, says Oregon MESA Executive Director Dr. Tong Zhang PhD.

“The goal here is to provide opportunities for the whole family to be able to check out STEAM opportunities,” Zhang told East Portland News. “Here, in one place, there are educational opportunities, nonprofit organizations presenting and companies showcasing job opportunities. We’re showing that there are opportunities in a number of different arenas, in this area.

Mabay Guzman and her daughter, Kamila, learn how to make a simple electronic circuit with the help of Esteban Guerrero with Intel.

“Just some of those represented here are from Mt. Hood Community College, Portland State University, Portland General Electric, Intel, the Port of Portland, and Boeing – all of them presenting educational and job opportunities here.”

Choosing to host the event at Rosewood was an easy decision, observed Zhang. “They are an amazing community partner within the region, have this beautiful new space, and do a lot of community outreach – we figured it was good to partner with this active community organization.”

Helio and Ix-Chel create “electronic art”, while their mom, Angeles Viera, looks on.

The STEAM Fair will also create a database of opportunities available, in the form of informative videos available to those who were not able to attend the event, concluded Zhang.

Interested? Find out more about Oregon MESA by visiting their website: CLICK HERE.

>> On our Front Page: Chick Tech Community Engagement Management Danielle Hubbard demonstrates computer programs during the “East Metro STEAM Community Roadmap”.

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