Apr 24, 2025
PHOTO COURTESY KCSOS
In partnership with Chevron, Kern County Superintendent of Schools (KCSOS) celebrates its grand opening of The STEAM Yard at 2020 K Street in downtown Bakersfield. This innovative facility is Kern County’s first dedicated STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) learning and career exploration center.
Designed as a hands-on, student-centered environment, The STEAM Yard offers standards-aligned programming that blends academic learning with real-world applications. It provides Kern County kindergarten through 8th-grade students with immersive field trip opportunities, camps outside of the school day, a curriculum and materials lending library, and an integrated college and career pathways component. The STEAM Yard’s innovative model includes structured pre-visit preparation, engaging on-site lab sessions, and post-visit classroom integration – engaging students and teachers benefit from a complete and meaningful journey.
During the grand opening, Chevron announced a $270,000 donation to support various KCSOS programs, with $200,000 specifically earmarked for The STEAM Yard’s launch and future programming. “Chevron is proud to support The STEAM Yard and the incredible opportunities it brings to students across the region,” says Alan Pitts, vice president of Chevron’s San Joaquin Valley. Business Unit. “Investing in STEAM education is investing in the future of our community.”
For more information about The STEAM Yard and upcoming events, visit www.kernsteamyard.org
A new housing assistance program is now being offered at CSUB where students can receive help with rent, deposits, and other costs. CSUB received funding from the Chancellor’s Office in February to assist students as part of its College-Focused Rapid Re-Housing Program. The university will receive $400,000 a year for the four-year program.
“Housing continues to be a significant challenge not only for our students but for students statewide,” says Dr. Jason Watkins, Director of CSUB’s Center for Accessibility and Essential Needs (CAEN). “This funding gives us the opportunity to provide a little more support to help people not only get housing but stay housed. We know that if students stay housed, they’re more likely to be academically successful.”
The grants are subject to availability and can be requested by filling out a Food and Housing Crisis Report. The grant will vary based on the need.
For more information, please visit https:// news.csub.edu/csub-receives-grant-toprovide-offcampus-housing-support.
PHOTO COURTESY OF NATE TORRES
Liberty High School announces Nicholas Podesta as the new head coach of its boys’ basketball program for the 20252026 school year. Coach Podesta brings over 25 years of coaching experience at both the high school and junior college levels. He most recently served on the staff at Clovis West High School, following a successful three-year tenure as head coach at Weston Ranch High School in Stockton.
During his time at Weston Ranch, Podesta led his team to a 68-26 overall record, capturing titles and reaching the CIF regional state semifinals during the 2022-23 season. As associate head coach at both Fresno City College and Cosumnes River College, he contributed to six conference championships and helped guide seven teams in the top four state finalists. His leadership has developed numerous athletes who have gone on to compete at the NCAA Division I level. Coach Podesta is dedicated to preparing the athletes to compete at the highest level possible.
Support Give Big Kern’s Day of Giving
Donors can make donations or sign up for volunteer hours at www.givebigkern.org, or like and share GBK social media content.
Bakersfield College Foundation Partners with Amazon
PHOTO COURTESY BAKERSFIELD COLLEGE
“At the Bakersfield College Foundation, our mission is to support initiatives that create real opportunities for students and strengthen our local workforce,” says Cheryl Scott, Executive Director of the Bakersfield College Foundation. “This partnership with Amazon is a perfect example of how strategic investments in education can transform lives and industries.”
For more information, please visit the Career Education page on www.bakersfieldcollege.edu.
Centre for Neuro Skills Named to Newsweek’s Greatest Workplaces
Focused on patient-tailored care and maximizing patient outcomes, CNS offers residential inpatient, day treatment, telerehabilitation, and continued care programs to help patients regain independence through community reintegration and life skills building.
For more information, please visit www.neuroskills.com.
