A unique partnership between Endologix, the Garden Grove Unified School District (GGUSD) and Orange County United Way gave students a hands-on opportunity to learn about science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).

As a leading medical equipment manufacturer, Endologix came to Orange County United Way in 2016 looking to implement a corporate social responsibility campaign that would give back and inspire local students to pursue STEM careers. United Way was able to orchestrate a connection with the Garden Grove Unified School District to design a new event that exposed local students to exciting STEM activities. Collaboration between these key partners brought the Science Fest Showcase to life.

Endologix staff, and family and friends check out the Science Fest Showcase projects on April 12 at Endologix’s headquarters in Irvine.

On April 12, 2018, Endologix hosted the second annual Science Fest Showcase at its headquarters in Irvine. The science fair featured projects from 6^thand 8^thgrade GGUSD students on a variety of science topics, including solar power, energy, sound and more. Students presented their projects to family, friends and Endologix staff.

Many professional engineers working at Endologix took time from their workday to see the projects, interact with students and encourage a continued interest in the field of science.

16 student finalists from six different Garden Grove Unified School District schools pose with their Science Fest Showcase certificates.

First place winners were awarded college scholarships. And going one step further, Endologix donated additional funds to each participating school’s science department.

“We are grateful for the support of Orange County United Way and the industry professionals at Endologix,” said Lan Nguyen, GGUSD Board of Education vice president. “We know STEM is an emerging career path with in-demand jobs and these rich experiences are powerful for our students.”

Dave Jennings, Vice President of Human Resources for Endologix, Sue Parks, President and CEO of Orange County United Way, and Eimi Tomimatsu Garcia, Garden Grove Unified School District Director of K-12 Educational Services, stop for a photo during the Science Fest Showcase.

To further inspire these young learners, Endologix also provided students with a tour of its worldwide headquarters to see first hand product creation, experiments conducted in labs, research facilities and manufacturing plants in action. For many, it was their first opportunity to see how a passion for science can lead to an exciting career after graduation.

“Partnering with Orange County United Way for our education-focused corporate social responsibility campaign made it easy for us to make an impact on young learners in our community,” said Dave Jennings, Vice President of Human Resources, Endologix. “The Science Fest Showcase continues to be a great way for our team at Endologix to engage with local students and encourage them to pursue further learning and a passion for the STEM subjects.”

“Many students lack a clear understanding of what science looks like other than in a textbook or class activity. Being able to experience the scientific process on a topic of their own choosing, go on a field trip to a real lab, and talk to older people about the path they took to become a science and engineering professional was priceless,” said Dr. Terri Shook, GGUSD teacher on special assignment.

Thanks to this unique corporate partnership, students in Garden Grove have access to more STEM learning activities, a key element in Orange County United Way’s 10-year FACE 2024 community-wide action plan to cut Orange County’s high school dropout rate in half.

Partnering with Orange County United Way at your workplace is a great opportunity to see the inspiration and impact of people coming together to change conditions in our community.

To get started today or for more information, contact Kevin Garrity, Director of Corporate Engagement.