On Saturday, March 8, the TGR Learning Lab Anaheim was filled with students and families participating in engaging science, technology, engineering, arts and math experiences. The STEAM Day began with a gaming and esports panel for high school students followed by its inaugural STEAM Carnival for all ages. Aimed at spreading awareness of the programs and resources offered on the campus and exposure to STEAM careers, the event featured a variety of interactive games and activities in partnership with Two Bit Circus.
From video game battles, plane flying contests and a button reaction wall to music trivia there was something for everyone. Laura Ortega, a mother of four boys in grades 1 through 7 shared the excitement of her students.
“We went through all the stations,” Ortega said. “They had fun, and they were happy. Because I have four, it takes longer because everyone wants to do the activities. They loved the airplanes.”
Prior to the carnival, a panel of esports and gaming professionals shared their journeys to esports careers and how students can maximize the programs offered through the Learning Lab to build foundational skills on their path to thriving careers.
Panelists included:
- Adam Portillo, game developer, Riot Games
- Leah Hanes, CEO, Exodexa and Two Bit Circus Foundation
- Sabrina Kennedy, brand and publishing manager, Riot Games
- Victor Le, software engineer, Amazon Games
- Renee Cobb, chief culture and innovation officer, Two Bit Circus
Calvin Macaraeg, a TGR Learning Lab instructor and member of the planning committee for the events, moderated the panel and was excited for his students, including a former student who served as a panelist, share their journeys.
“Every panelist went through a lot of different paths in life,” Macaraeg said. “One was a flight attendant; one was a tattoo artist. One worked at Starbucks for a while, and they all ended up in the gaming and esports industry. We had so many people, parents and students, wanting to talk to the panelists even after the panel was over.”
The variety of activities facilitated by TGR Learning Lab educators and the team from Two Bit Circus covered a wide variety of interests and students were lined up to get a chance to participate.
Adora Luong, a junior at Cypress High School, attended the panel and carnival and was impressed with the opportunities available for students.
“The panel was really engaging compared to other panels I’ve been to,” said Luong. Because it was gaming, it made a lot of the information they were talking about very interesting to listen to, especially their day-to-day. Their careers I felt like catered to my interests, and the main emphasis was just not being afraid to make mistakes and stepping out of your comfort zone.”
Connecting with panelists at the end of the event was a highlight of her experience as she transitioned to the STEAM Carnival.
“The carnival vibes were definitely like everywhere,” Luong added. “I think the most fun experience was just being able to go around [to all the stations] seeing the variety. And then of course the prize at the end – the little stuffed animal tiger was very cute. Thank you to the TGR Learning Lab for putting this on for the community. It was very fun.”
The event also provided free refreshments, including Kona Ice, cotton candy nachos. Guests were also fueled by sweet tea and lemonade donated by Raising Cane’s Anaheim.
With a mission to empower youth through education, the TGR Learning Lab offers free year-round programs for students from fifth grade through high school. Learn more at TGR Foundation.org.
