Events
Digital Media Arts Career Exploration Day
Dates: February 1, 2012
Time: 9:30 am to 1:00 pm
Medical Careers in Action
Dates: March 28, 2012
Time: 9:00 am to 1:00 pm
STEM Showcase
Dates: April 13, 14, 15, 2012
Vital Link’s STEM and DMA Showcase
in Partnership with the OC Youth Expo
Program Dates: April 13,14 & 15, 2012
Location: OC Fair & Event Center Youth Expo, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Directions: http://www.ocfair.com/ocf/Aboutus/MapsDirections.asp
Registration: Schools bringing students on a field trip on Friday 4/13, submit the registration form.
Saturday 4/14, and Sunday 4/15 - Open to the general public.
This is a must attend event for students who are interested in exploring careers in the STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Math) and Digital Media Arts (DMA) fields. Vital Link and its partners are taking the lead in connecting students to career options in the STEM and DMA related professions. The Showcase will feature Career Exploration activities, demonstrations and exhibits, and a Meet the Experts area where students can explore their future career options.
The Showcase brings together student work, competitions, industry expertise, and college connections. Nonprofits will share their volunteer opportunities for students to use their skills to build a resume.
Student Work
Vital Link is requesting middle school, high school, and community college educators to let us know about some of the exciting STEM projects your students are creating as classroom projects. that you would like to share with the rest of the county. The Showcase will provide an opportunity to recognize your students and share their success with the rest of the county in a public forum. Educators will learn what others are doing in the county to enhance their STEM classes’ curriculum. For information about submitting student work, contact the Vital Link office - .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or download the submittal application.
Competitions
Performance Engineering Competition: Friday, April 13, 2012
Energy Invitational First Round Design judging – Vehicles designed and built by University and High School student teams well be judged on their design and compete for an invitation to participate in the Energy Invitational race to be held May 20, 2012. Click here to see a video of the 2011 Energy Invitational. We are seeking industry volunteers to act as judges, event volunteers, and supporters, click here for volunteer/sponsorship form.
Vex Robotics Demonstration Competition: Saturday, April 14, 2012
High school and college teams can participate in the Vex Robotics Demonstration Competition. This is an ideal event for your class or club to show off their engineering skills. Industry members will participate as speakers, judges and mentors. To register your team you can download and submit the competition application.
FIRST® LEGO® LEAGUE: Saturday, April 14, 2011
Food Factor Robot Game and Design Competition
This is a local event open to any team from So Cal regions. You must use the Food Factor Robot Game and Robot Design only. For further information and registration procedures go to http://www.engineers4kidsUSA.org
2012 Vital Link Digital Media Arts Competitions:
The competition is open to students attending Orange County high schools, community colleges, and 4-year colleges. The competition has two categories, each with its own set of rules and judging criteria. The work of the finalists will be on display during the STEM and Digital Media Arts Showcase event on April 13, 14, and 15, 2012. Winners announced on April 15, 2012.
DMA Competition Categories:
The Science Connection category is your opportunity to create a work of art that is based around a science or technology theme. Submittals are to fall under one of three media types.
1. Interactive Media (Computer Games, Animation, Website Design)
2. Two-Dimensional Digital Media Arts (Computer Graphic Design, Digital Photography, Digital Illustrations)
3. Video and Film (Short film, Public Service Announcement, Commercial, Music Video)
Deadline for submittal is March 16, 2012. Finalists announced 4/2/12 and winners announced 4/15/12 at the Showcase. Click here for the Science Connection rules, and application.
My Dream Career Photo Competition
What is your dream career? Where do you picture yourself after your graduate from school? Take a photo depicting you in your dream career. Students between the ages of 16 and 20 are eligible to enter the My Dream Career Photo Competition. Click here to see last year’s winners and download the application.
Deadline for submittal is March 16, 2012. Finalists announced 4/2/12 and winners announced 4/15/12 at the Showcase.
Nonprofit Organization Volunteer Opportunities
Students can develop their skills and explore career options through volunteer or paid positions with local non profits. Many students can meet their school’s community service requirements or volunteered on their own and use the opportunity to develop the necessary skills to succeed in their future career choice. Nonprofits interested in exhibiting and promoting volunteer or paid positions can submit the exhibitor registration form or contact the Vital Link office .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
Industry Expertise
Professionals will participate in industry related exhibits, demonstrations and presentations, share their insights with the attendees at the Meet the Experts area, and act as judges for the competitions. Vital Link is also looking for event logistics volunteers. If your company would like to have an exhibit or you are interested in participating as an industry expert or event volunteer, contact the Vital Link office at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or complete the Exhibitor Registration form. Become a corporate sponsor by completing the Sponsorship form.
College Connections
College exhibitors will provide information and demonstrations about educational opportunities that will lead to careers in the STEM and DMA related industries. College representatives interested in exhibiting can download an Exhibitors Registration form.
Sponsors and Production Partners:
OC Fair & Event Center
Orange County Workforce Investment Board
Orange County Department of Education
PBS SoCal
IEEE (International Electrical and Electronics Engineers)
Southern California Gas Company
Go Engineering
Solidworks
Exhibitors:
Advanced Education Technology Park
Boeing
California Land Surveyors Association
First Lego League
Mathobotix
Orange County Sheriff’s Department
PBS SoCal
RapidTech
Reactor Institute
Roadtrip Nation
Southern California Edison
Surgical Training -Center - UCI Department of Urology
and many more to come…