Kern County Students Immersed in Career and STEM Exploration at 2025 Expo

more than 3,400 middle and high school students from across Kern County gathered today at the Career Technical Education Center (CTEC) in Bakersfield for the annual Kern County Career & STEM Expo. Hosted by the Kern High School District (KHSD), the Kern Economic Development Foundation (KEDF), and Chevron—alongside several community partners—the event offered a hands-on look into the world of STEM and local career pathways.

Throughout the day, students explored over 600 exhibits and participated in a variety of interactive activities, including live drone and robotics demonstrations, immersive science lab experiments, and even a crowd-pleasing magic show. The expo aimed to inspire students and expand their awareness of the many professional opportunities available in Kern County and beyond.

Kern County currently ranks fourth in the nation for STEM jobs. With that in mind, KEDF and its partners continue to champion events like this one to connect education with industry needs. By fostering collaboration among educators, businesses, and community leaders, the Expo served as a powerful tool to prepare the next generation for the region’s evolving workforce.