Student innovation and creativity will be on full display at the 2026 STEAM Expo on March 28, 2026, at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds.
All K-12 students are invited to participate in this day of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics — whether by entering a project in the science fair or getting hands-on with science, tech and art at the interactive expo.
The event combines a competitive science fair with a non-competitive showcase and interactive exhibitions. It supports authentic research and engineering design while advancing access to inquiry-based learning for all students in the county.
STEAM is an acronym for science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics. Organized by the Santa Cruz County Office of Education, the STEAM Expo provides even more opportunities for students to showcase their STEAM interests and abilities of all kinds. It is also intended to foster career exploration and facilitate deeper connections between students, educators, industry, arts and community partners.
Ways to Get Involved
There are several ways for students, families, and educators to participate in the event:
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Compete: Students may enter projects to be judged against state standards,
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Showcase: Classrooms and individuals can display work in progress or class projects.
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Educators: Teachers can earn CEUs by judging or hosting a school-based event.
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Volunteer: High school students can sign up for community service hours.
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Attend: Families are invited to explore the exhibitions and performances.
Support and Registration
The Santa Cruz County Office of Education offers planning support for teachers and mentors through video conferences or site visits. This includes help with project ideas and logistical details. To schedule a session, email Nicole Silva at nsilva@santacruzcoe.org.
Students must register for the STEAM Expo by March 2, 2026. To begin, participants should select a topic, create a research plan, and check safety guidelines before starting their projects.