On Saturday, November 4, 2017, The Help Group and STEM3 Academy held its second annual Very Special Innovation Fair. Equal parts science fair, high-tech exhibition, art show, and community carnival, the free event was a family-friendly celebration of talent, imagination, and discovery from young STEM enthusiasts, as well as some of the region’s innovative companies. The event drew in a big crowd with approximately 700 people in attendance!

Inspired in part by the Maker Movement, the event featured over 30+ interactive activities and companies, including: Raytheon; ISS-Above (International Space Station); California Science Center; USC; Play-Well TEKnologies featuring LEGOS; Nonscriptum; California Highway Patrol; National Renewable Energy; Bubble Mania; DJ Adam Kruger; and many more. You can check out a full list of the activities that took place here, and you can visit our photo gallery here.

The Help Group and STEM3 Academy hosted the fair to help young people learn about the exciting things happening in STEM, and how it is playing an increasing role in areas such as manufacturing, medicine, design entertainment, and more.

Here’s what a few people had to say about the event:

“Thank you for doing this! The whole event was amazing and my kids have not stopped raving about it!”

“My son thoroughly enjoyed this very useful event.”

“My husband and son had a fabulous time. They were very impressed with the activities and attendance. They are playing with the VR cardboard as I type. Thank you!”

Our mission to spread the word about science, tech, engineering and math education and career fields for young people with social or learning differences does not stop with the Very Special Innovation Fair. We’re excited to announce The Help Group’s 2018 STEM³ Special Challenge.

Students in grades 6 – 12 with a social, learning or neuro-developmental difference are encouraged to identify a STEM solution to a pressing issue faced by individuals, communities or the world at large. The deadline to enter is January 30, 2018.To learn more about it, click here.

The Very Special Innovation Fair was brought to you by The Help Group and STEM³ Academy. Founded in 1975, The Help Group is the largest, most innovative and comprehensive nonprofit of its kind in the United States serving children, adolescents and young adults with special needs related to autism spectrum disorder, learning disabilities, ADHD, developmental delays, abuse and emotional challenges. For more information, please visit www.thehelpgroup.org.

STEM³ Academy is designed for students with social or learning differences who have a passion for STEM fields. The school offers a comprehensive and integrated college preparatory curriculum, focusing on the long-term development, strength and needs of each student. For more information on the school, visit www.STEM3Academy.org.

To stay up to date about initiatives and future events, follow us on Facebook here: The Help Group and STEM³ Academy.

The Help Group would like to thank all of the exhibitors, volunteers and staff who helped make all the magic happen that day at the Very Special Innovation Fair.