(Santa Ana, CA)— Colleges and universities across the country have been strengthening their science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programs, envisioning new relationships with their communities, and applying new resources to address the unprecedented demand for STEM program graduates. Supporting this focus, Santa Ana College is proud to announce its STEM WEEK 2016 from October 17-21, 2016.
The event will feature nearly 25 STEM-related workshops that are free and are open to the public. Participants can take advantage of an opportunity to extract and analyze their own DNA, even take a sample home. Other workshops offer the opportunity to explore the parasites of Orange County, learn about arc and plasma welding, learn what NASA is up to, and even brew alcohol from yeast. Tours will include the Engineering Fabrication Laboratory, CAD Laboratory, and journey through the solar system. The SAC planetarium is also offering free shows and stargazing.
The week concludes with events from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Friday, October 21 in the Fine Arts (“C”) Building foyer. Appetizers, refreshments, and desserts will be served. An Evening to Celebrate Science at Santa Ana College is an opportunity to come and see the exciting research being carried out by SAC students. The public is invited to browse scientific posters that explain the projects students are completing as well as to ask questions of the student-researchers. Students who participated in research over the summer will have the chance to introduce themselves and their experience and will be available to explain and answer questions.
The evening will culminate with a keynote speech titled “Sustainable is Attainable” by Bernie Karl, a dynamic entrepreneur and "imagineer" who owns Chena Hot Springs Resort and a large recycling company in Fairbanks, Alaska. He was named Business Man of the Year by the University of Alaska, Fairbanks and has offered internships to SAC students. Karl has also hosted 24 SAC students at the resort, where they toured a geothermal energy plant that allows his resort to be very nearly 100 percent self-sustainable with nearly zero waste produced. Karl owns the largest recycling business in Alaska and will suggest ways that people can be “part of the solution, not part of the problem!”
For events on Friday, October 21, please RSVP to Cathie@mesa.edu. Parking is free and no parking permits are required for this special event.
Santa Ana College’s STEM WEEK is open to all and with the hope that it leads students and the community to become involved in the next generation of STEM growth and innovation. The workshops will give the community a peek into the future of STEM with entertaining, inspiring, and cutting-edge presentations, tours, and events. It is made available with the support of the SAC MESA Program, the HSI ENGAGE in STEM Grant, Center for Teacher Education, B2E, Business Division, Humans Services & Technology Division, Science, Math & Health Sciences Division, Counseling Division, and Career Development/Technical Education Student Success Center.
About Santa Ana College
Santa Ana College (SAC), which turned 100 years old in 2015, serves about 18,000 students each semester at its main campus in Santa Ana. The college prepares students for transfer to four-year institutions, provides invaluable workforce training, and customized training for business and industry. In addition, another 11,000 students are served through the college’s School of Continuing Education located at Centennial Education Center. Ranked as one of the nation’s top two-year colleges awarding associate degrees to Latino and Asian students, the college is also recognized throughout the state for its comprehensive workforce training programs for nurses, firefighters, law enforcement and other medical personnel. SAC is one of two comprehensive colleges under the auspices of the Rancho Santiago Community College District. Visit www.sac.edu to learn more.
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