NCRF's 13th Annual Students Think S.T.E.A.M. Expo & E-Sports Brings Aviation, Robotics & More to Los Angeles Students

Free hands-on event at LA Trade Tech puts students face-to-face with careers in today’s most dynamic STEAM fields

LOS ANGELES, CA, UNITED STATES, October 8, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- National College Resources Foundation (NCRF) will host the 13th Annual Students Think S.T.E.A.M. Expo & E-Sports on Friday, October 9, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Los Angeles Trade Technical College, 400 West Washington Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90015. This free, in-person event gives students an opportunity to experience the possibilities of S.T.E.A.M. firsthand.

The event will bring students together with industry experts for interactive exhibits, hands-on activities and engaging seminars exploring science, technology, engineering, arts, agriculture, aviation, aerospace, artificial intelligence and mathematics, along with the rapidly evolving world of gaming and E-Sports. Students will experience how classroom subjects translate into real-world industries and careers.

The event comes as the demand for technically skilled workers continues to create significant career opportunities in Southern California. In aerospace engineering alone, California labor-market projections estimate 3,250 job openings in Los Angeles County between 2022 and 2032. Aerospace engineers in the region had an hourly wage of nearly $80 in the first quarter of 2026. Aerospace engineering and operations technician roles, which typically require an associate degree, had an hourly wage of more than $46, demonstrating that S.T.E.A.M. pathways can lead to strong careers through multiple educational routes.

“Students can’t truly dream about careers they have never had the opportunity to see, touch or experience,” said Dr. Theresa Price, Founder/CEO of National College Resources Foundation. “Students Think S.T.E.A.M. is about igniting curiosity. Whether a young person sees themselves designing an aircraft, building a robot, creating the next breakthrough in AI, developing a video game or using art and technology together in a completely new way, we want them to leave knowing there is a pathway for their talent.”

The Expo is designed as a field-trip opportunity for elementary, middle and high school students, as well as youth groups and families.

NCRF’s Students Think S.T.E.A.M. initiative emphasizes the intersection of disciplines rather than treating them in isolation to encourage creativity, collaboration, problem solving and curiosity. NCRF also operates a mobile S.T.E.A.M. classroom equipped with computers, a 3D printer and interactive learning tools to bring these experiences directly into communities. NCRF also has a traveling museum dedicated to African Americans in Aviation, featuring the Tuskegee Airmen, curated and directed by son of Chauncey Spencer, who with Dale White, met with Senator Truman which initiated the integration of the Air Corps (Air Force) with the Tuskegee Airmen.

High school juniors and seniors will also have opportunities to win scholarships connected to the Students Think S.T.E.A.M. program, with generous support from sponsors and partners America’s Navy, U.S. Army, Foundation Clothing, Los Angeles Community College District, Carollo Cares, Los Angeles Department of Water & Power, SoCalGas, Southern California Edison and Columbia College of Chicago.

The event is open to students of all backgrounds and their families and is free to attend. For more information, visit www.ncrfoundation.org or call 877-427-4100.

Members of the media interested in covering the Expo, interviewing Dr. Theresa Price, or requesting credentials are encouraged to contact Melanie Eke Washington directly.

Founded in 1999, National College Resources Foundation has advanced its mission to change lives through education by helping over 800,000 students gain access to higher education and facilitating more than $5 billion in scholarships and grants.

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About National College Resources Foundation (NCRF)
Now in its 28th year, National College Resources Foundation (NCRF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit educational enhancement organization serving over 200,000 students annually through a variety of impactful programs and initiatives, including its College Expos™, The Movement Enrichment Program, STEAM Program, Internship & Careers Program, Latino Community Engagement and Student Athletic Program (SAP). Founded in 1999 by Dr. Theresa Price, NCRF's mission is to curtail the high school dropout rate and increase degree and/or certificate enrollment among underserved, at-risk, low-resource, homeless and foster students. NCRF's vision is to close the gap in educational achievement, workforce and economic disparities.

Melanie Eke Washington
National College Resources Foundation
melanie@ncrfoundation.org
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