The Pasadena Tournament of Roses has partnered with Cal Poly Rose Float on an engaging and educational program, RoseSTEM, presented by SoCalGas. The program, which was held June 28-30, includes field trips to the Cal Poly Rose Float facility, where middle and high school students were introduced to STEM concepts used to create a Rose Parade float, including hands-on experience.
Cal Poly Rose Float, a group of college students, shared their expertise in float construction, design, and decoration. Cal Poly Pomona and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo have continuously participated in the parade since 1949, and their floats have led to the introduction of technology to the parade, including the first use of hydraulics for animation in 1968 and the first use of computer-controlled animation in 1978.
“Cal Poly Universities Rose Float is a 74-year tradition that exemplifies the ‘Learn by Doing’ philosophy that emphasizes our student’s Career Readiness initiatives. Opportunities to partner with the Tournament of Roses allow our students to engage young students to explain how STEM is used and that Rose Float uses it each day,” explained Cary Khatab, Director of Cal Poly Rose Float Club. “We encourage our students to help these young students realize college is attainable, STEM-related jobs are possible, and that STEM is all around us, all while engaging in activities that reinforce their confidence in STEM.”
During the sessions, Cal Poly Rose Float and representatives from SoCalGas brought their knowledge to the program.
“SoCalGas is proud to sponsor the RoseSTEM Program, a series designed to help provide 150 underserved students with the unique experience of applying STEM concepts to create and design a Rose Parade float,” said Trisha Muse, Director of community relations at SoCalGas. “We’ve been long-time supporters of promoting the accessibility of STEM education. SoCalGas has invested over $2 million in grants to education organizations in Central and Southern California, and we are committed to providing opportunities for our diverse and underserved communities.”
More than 100 students from the greater Pasadena area participated thanks to the support of community partners; Boys & Girls Club of Pasadena, Partnership for Success, and STEAM:CODERS.
“One of our key aims at Boys & Girls Club of Pasadena (BGCP) is to expose our members to a wide range of college and career opportunities. The RoseSTEM program provides important knowledge to our kids and widens their horizons,” Lisa Cavelier, CEO of Boys & Girls Club of Pasadena, said. “It’s a perfect fit with the programming we do each day at our clubhouses!”
Raymond Ealy, Founder/Executive Director of STEAM:CODERS, added, “The RoseSTEM field trip not only introduced students to the engineering behind float construction but also brought them to a word-class campus, Cal Poly Pomona. Since over 80% of the students in STEAM:CODERS reside in households where nobody attended college, we are planting the seeds for college. Our partnership with the Tournament of Roses is changing lives.”
For more information:
Pasadena Tournament of Roses
foundation@tournamentofroses.org
tournamentofroses.com