Editor's Note: Why hasn't Steve been a corespondent before? He's really good at this. Fun fact, Steve Sanders and Steve Roach are the ones that enslaved me as the Spoke editor over 7 years ago.

This week’s Correspondent:

Steve Sanders serves as Chief of “Stuff” for the Kern County Superintendent of Schools.  In his role he deals with stuff and also oversees the Division of Special Projects, which includes the KCSOS Communications team and television station (KETN), the Kern County Network for Children and Dream Center and the California Living Museum.

Introductions & Announcements

Guests: Josh Wilson (Darling & Wilson), Saul Ayon (Candidate for 35^th State Assembly District) and Mary Davalos.

Good News

Charlie Moe reported that Scouting America (e.g. Boy Scouts) will be honoring the Balmains (Smith’s Cookies) for their many years of contributions to expanding Kern County waistlines.

Kristin Watson reported that KCSOS Food & Nutrition Services (who provided today’s delicious lunch) will officially take over all food service at CSU Bakersfield.  This is a great partnership that will bring locally sourced food to CSUB students, faculty and staff.  Sorry no broccoli salad.

Program

Steve Sanders welcomed everyone to the Larry E. Reider Center and introduced Kyle Atkin, KCSOS Executive Director of STEAM & Expanded Learning.  Jeff Gutierrez learned that STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Math).

Kyle shared information about the work that KCSOS is doing to prepare students throughout Kern County for careers in STEAM businesses.  Kern County’s 4^th in the nation in STEAM jobs, so it is vital we prepare a workforce that is educated about STEAM skill sets and career opportunities.

Kyle’s Division focuses on five core programs:

• STEAM Camps:  KCSOS operates STEAM Camps for students and foster / homeless youth 200+ days per year before and after school and during the summer months at a variety of locations including CALM and the Kern County Museum.  This year they are expanding to Mojave to reach students in East Kern.   This year the program will reach over 11,000 students from districts across Kern County.