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# At STEPCon, Inland Empire Students Chase Their Dreams of Scientific Discovery
- URL: https://www.raincrossgazette.com/at-stepcon-inland-empire-students-chase-their-dreams-of-scientific-discovery/
- Published: 2026-10-15T12:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-15T12:00:00.000Z
- Description: High school researchers shared their passion for science with younger students at the Bourns Technology Center, showing them anyone can pursue research.
- Author: Erik Chen
- Tags: education, k-12, #herald-3f9ef165-d2ee-8090-8bf5-d8b910f66b8d

Hundreds of students flocked from room to room, eagerly searching for the next scientific spectacle. In the auditorium, curiosity lingered in the students' eyes as they gasped at a ping-pong demonstration crushing soda cans. The Science and Technology Education Partnership Conference (STEPCon) saw many small moments like these at the Bourns Technology Center on Thursday, Oct. 8\. Now in its 27th year, the annual event serves to spark enthusiasm for science in youth across the Inland Empire.

Hosting about 1,500 students in grades 4-12, STEPCon showcased a diverse array of STEM applications, including esports games, arcades, interactive workshops and poster presentations. Several accomplished high school scientists hailing from Riverside and San Bernardino counties were invited to communicate their passion for science with younger students. In keeping with STEPCon's mission of inspiring the next generation of young scientists, many invitees presented their research while discussing new scientific possibilities.

"I was interested in attending STEPCon because I got an opportunity to share my research while meeting local industry leaders," said Faustin Zhang, an International Science and Engineering Fair finalist and Los Osos High School senior. "Seeing the happiness on the kids' faces when they realized anyone could pursue science research, and recognizing I was once in their position, was truly meaningful."

High school presenters shared projects ranging from filtering volatile organic compounds to help firefighters to genetically engineering crops, introducing younger attendees to the expansive applications of scientific research.

"One piece of advice I gave to the students is that research is a long and tedious process, so don't give up!" Zhang said.

Driven by a commitment to equity, similar initiatives have actively expanded STEM accessibility in both high schools and higher education to support historically marginalized communities in the region. For example, the University of California, Riverside, has stepped in and established biotechnology pipelines through summer internship programs for both local high school and college students.

By exposing students to fascinating possibilities early on, STEPCon plays a vital role in strengthening STEM education in the Inland Empire. More importantly, these initiatives provide future generations of Inland Empire students the opportunities they deserve to chase their dreams of scientific discovery.