On Friday night, The Academy of 21st Century Learning hosted its ninth annual STE²AM festival, inviting families from the Vacaville community to explore science, technology, engineering, entrepreneurship, arts, and mathematics. The event featured a variety of engaging exhibits, including DNA extraction from bananas, a demonstration by Lonza’s biopharmaceutical team, and robotics showcases from the Vanden High School team.
Barbara Dwyer, the academy’s CEO and founder, expressed her pride in the event’s success, particularly in seeing children actively engage with scientific concepts. One memorable moment included a kindergartener asking about the speed of a snail, highlighting the curiosity encouraged at the school.
Since its inception as a tutoring business in 2013, the academy has evolved into a private K-8 institution with around 80 students. The unique teaching environment emphasizes hands-on learning and creativity, facilitated by dedicated staff members with playful titles like “Growth Spurt Guru.” COO Erin Dwyer noted that the festival aims to foster a passion for STE²AM fields by collaborating with local partners.
Classes at the academy resemble the interactive experiences provided at the festival, allowing students to explore concepts at their own pace. Erin Dwyer explained, “One of the things that we do really, really well is have them ask the hard questions, and not be afraid of the answers.” The school is certified by Cognia as one of two STEM institutions in California, reflecting its commitment to a comprehensive educational approach.
With a growing emphasis on gender diversity in STEM, Barbara Dwyer highlighted that female students are particularly active in coding and robotics, even without formal club structures in place. Erin Dwyer emphasized the importance of local partnerships for connecting students with career opportunities, particularly in biotechnology, which is thriving in the community.
At the festival, Jansen Tapaoan from Flex Bio Culture demonstrated DNA extraction techniques to students, sharing her enthusiasm for engaging with young learners. Tapaoan, a recent graduate with a Master’s in Bio Process Engineering, remarked on the creativity and intelligence of the students she encountered.
Jim Kennon, president of the Benicia Makerspace, brought various hands-on exhibits to the festival, including optical illusions and interactive science experiments. Kennon stressed the importance of experiential learning, stating, “I do this just to get the kids involved in hands-on learning.” The makerspace fosters creativity and exploration with resources like metalworking stations and 3D printers.
One highlight of the evening was eighth grader Nick Plaha, who showcased his business, Nick’s Cubes, which produces customized Rubik’s Cubes. Proudly accompanied by his grandmother, Sati, Plaha discussed how his former experiences at the academy inspired his entrepreneurial journey. Sati, a volunteer tutor and board member of the Solano County Library Foundation, expressed pride in her grandson’s achievements and his positive impact on his peers.
The STE²AM festival not only illustrated the academy’s educational philosophy but also underscored the importance of community involvement in shaping future leaders in the arts and sciences.
