MSJC and AAUW Redlands Branch Host 32nd Annual STEM Conference for Eighth-Grade Girls
1/15/2026
Mt. San Jacinto College (MSJC), in partnership with the American Association of University Women (AAUW) Redlands Branch, proudly hosted the 32nd Annual AAUW STEM Conference for Eighth-Grade Girls, welcoming 264 students from across the Pass Area for a full day of hands-on learning, exploration, and inspiration in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
Held on MSJC's San Jacinto campus on January 8, 2026, the annual conference continues a more than three-decade tradition of encouraging young women to explore STEM pathways through direct engagement with female professionals, educators, and industry leaders from throughout the Inland Empire. Participating students represented the Banning Unified School District, the Hemet Unified School District (including Idyllwild and Anza), and two Yucaipa charter schools—Competitive Edge and Inland Leaders.
The event opened with welcoming remarks from Kathryn Brown, JD, AAUW Redlands Co-President; Diana Galindo, MPA, Vice President of Human Resources at Mt. San Jacinto College; and Betsy Grimes, STEM Conference Co-Chair. For the second consecutive year, Erica Alfaro, award-winning author, international keynote speaker, and education advocate, delivered the keynote address, "You Can Succeed Despite Adversity," inspiring students to embrace resilience, curiosity, and confidence as they pursue their academic and personal goals. Alfaro also remained on campus to connect with students during lunch in the MSJC Café, offering a more personal opportunity for conversation and encouragement.
"For 32 years, this conference has demonstrated the power of access, mentorship, and possibility," said Dr. Roger Schultz, Superintendent/President of Mt. San Jacinto College.
"By welcoming these eighth-grade students to our campus and connecting them with women leaders in STEM, we are helping them see themselves as scientists, engineers, innovators, and problem-solvers. MSJC is proud to partner with AAUW Redlands Branch to continue a tradition that opens doors and expands futures."
Throughout the day, students rotated through interactive workshops spanning a broad range of STEM disciplines. Sessions included civil engineering and flood protection, physics and materials science held in MSJC's general science laboratory, forensic science and crime scene investigation, health care and rehabilitation fields such as physician assistant studies, physical therapy, and occupational therapy, as well as museum science and collections management led by educators from the Western Science Center.
Professionals from Garner Holt Education through Imagination led animatronics workshops in MSJC's Makerspace, exposing students to careers in design, engineering, and creative technology.
"This conference reflects AAUW's mission to advance gender equity through education and advocacy by removing barriers to success in both education and the workplace," said Pamela Ford, co-chair of the conference. "By reaching girls before they make their high school course selections, we help counter early disengagement from STEM subjects, expand awareness of real-world career pathways, and introduce students to MSJC's STEM facilities and the college environment."
AAUW Redlands Branch expressed sincere appreciation to the organizations and individuals whose support made the conference possible, including the Morongo Band of Mission Indians, Laura May Stewart Foundation, Sun Lakes Country Club Charitable Trust Board, Carole Nagengast, Debbie Wilson, and Susan Bentley, as well as many additional community supporters.
The day's success was further supported by MSJC student volunteers who served as campus guides, helping students navigate workshops and campus spaces.