OCWD Supports Future Scientists and Engineers
As part of OCWD’s commitment to education,
specifically STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) curriculum and programs, the District is an official sponsor and participant of the Orange County Science and Engineering Fair (OCSEF).
OCSEF is a nonprofit educational organization that promotes science and engineering in Orange County. Its goal is to educate, guide and motivate O.C. students in grades 6-12 to engage in project-based learning in all STEM fields to be college and career ready in the 21st century. The Fair features two divisions, Senior and Junior, and 20 separate categories ranging from Applied Mechanics to Zoology. It is held at the Orange County Fair Grounds in Costa Mesa during April. Selected finalists from OCSEF then represent Orange County at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair, the world’s largest international pre-college science competition.
For the past two years, OCWD has donated special award prizes for water-related submissions.
Menu Leddy, principal scientist in the OCWD Research and Development department has served both years as a Special Award Judge and in 2016 presented six awards for projects related to water quality and desalination to students.
For more than 15 years, Principal Hydrogeologist Dave Mark has served as a Judge and Judge Team Captain for the Environmental and Earth Science categories. “The Fair is a valuable means of encouraging middle and high school students to improve their science and presentation skills and consider pursuing careers in science and engineering. The students’ presentations to our panels of judges and the follow-up question and answer period are both challenging and positive reinforcements that help build character and confidence. I am honored to be part of OCWD and its commitment to our future through support of science programs for our youth.”