STEAMagination celebrates third year of science, art innovation
Full steam ahead! Local youth explored creativity, innovation, problem-solving, and career pathways at San Jacinto College’s STEAMagination event on May 1.
Now in its third year, the Generation Park Campus event inspires elementary and middle school kids through hands-on experiences in science, technology, engineering, art, and math — or STEAM.
“STEAMagination bridges education, industry, and the community by exposing students
to future academic and career opportunities while emphasizing the value of interdisciplinary
learning and innovation,” said Dr. Natasha Williams, Generation Park department chair
of liberal arts, STEM, business, and entrepreneurship.
Community and industry partners that shared expertise and interactive activities included…
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
- Lilly
- Rice University
- Artist Charis Kelley
Rice discussed bat research and environmental science, providing students with insight into scientific research and wildlife studies, while other partners highlighted the connection between education, creativity, technology, and industry.
Besides hands-on activities and student performances, STEAMagination featured entrepreneurial experiences such as Raven Tank, where students pitched innovative ideas to judges from the Medaris Group and San Jac’s Center for Entrepreneurship.
I hope students leave inspired, dreaming about becoming the next generation of scientists, artists, and entrepreneurs.
“It’s a joy to see the excitement and curiosity on students’ faces each year we host STEAMagination,” said Dr. Tyler Olivier, San Jac Online department chair of STEM and behavioral sciences. “Every year, we’ve continued to grow and involve more community stakeholders. I hope students leave inspired, dreaming about becoming the next generation of scientists, artists, and entrepreneurs.”
Williams and Olivier organized the event alongside Sheldon ISD’s Fallon Armstrong, family engagement specialist.
Through various activities, STEAMagination encouraged curiosity, critical thinking, creativity, and innovation while fostering a strong sense of community and belonging.
Learn more about STEM at San Jac
About San Jacinto College
Surrounded by monuments of history, evolving industries, maritime enterprises of today,
and the space age of tomorrow, San Jacinto College has served the people of East Harris
County, Texas, since 1961. The College is ranked second in the nation among more than
1,100 community colleges, as designated by the Aspen Institute and was named an Achieving
the Dream Leader College of Distinction in 2020 and 2026. As a Hispanic-Serving Institution
that spans five campuses, plus an online college, San Jacinto College serves approximately
45,000 credit and non-credit students annually. It offers more than 200 degrees and
certificates across eight major areas of study that put students on a path to transfer
to four-year institutions or enter the workforce. The College is fiscally sound, holding
bond ratings of AA+ by Standard & Poor’s and Aa2 by Moody’s. San Jacinto College is
accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
