2019 California STEAM Symposium

Join thousands of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) educators on December 9–10, 2019, at the Anaheim Convention Center to engage in unparalleled, peer-led professional learning; explore our Makerspace focused on sustainability; and get inspired by our amazing keynote speakers. Register, find the latest updates, and see keynote announcements on the STEAM Symposium website at https://cdefoundation.org/cde_programs/steam/. Registration rates increase on November 1, 2019.

This year’s keynote speakers include Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, former NBA superstar, STEAM education advocate, and political activist, with whom I will be participating in a fireside chat; Ellen Ochoa, former astronaut and director of the Johnson Space Center; and Chris Emdin, the founder of #HipHopEd.

The Symposium highlights the work of California’s leaders in classroom innovation from across the state and shares promising practices in all areas of STEAM to help students succeed. If you are interested in practical strategies, creative ideas, classroom resources, and networking opportunities, this event is for you. Students are also at the center of the Symposium and they will be found leading breakout sessions and demonstrating their projects in the very popular Student Showcase.

Many schools and districts come to the event in teams, which enables them to learn and plan together. There are dedicated team meeting spaces for collaboration, and teams of six or more people also receive a registration discount. The Symposium is a collaborative effort with the California Department of Education, the Californians Dedicated to Education Foundation, and the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls.

We want all students to have equal access to STEAM programs, and the Symposium is an excellent effort to increase the number of districts that offer courses and internships. Please join us.

If you have questions regarding this event, please email the organizers at steamsymposium@cdefoundation.org.

Sincerely,

Tony Thurmond
State Superintendent of Public Instruction

Last Reviewed: Monday, February 23, 2026

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