CUSD's STEAMFest 2026 Showcased Innovation to 8,000+ Community Members
Media Release
More than 8,000 scholars, families, and community members gathered for Compton Unified School District’s 7th Annual STEAMFest, making it one of the largest and most dynamic STEM showcases in the region.
The event highlighted the District’s continued leadership in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) education, further reinforcing why Compton Unified has recently been featured in national publications such as USA Today, The New York Times, and the Los Angeles Times as one of the top school districts in California and across the country.
All 32 Compton Unified schools participated in the event, each presenting interactive exhibits designed and led by students. More than 1,000 scholars showcased innovative projects spanning robotics, engineering, digital design, and environmental sustainability. This year’s theme, “Raiders of Innovation – Unearth the Past and Design the Future,” was brought to life through hands-on experiences that invited attendees to explore both historical inspiration and forward-thinking solutions.
Throughout the event, the air was filled with energy and engagement. Schools created immersive booths that allowed guests to experience STEAM learning firsthand, while student-operated robots moved throughout the venue, interacting with attendees and demonstrating real-world applications of coding and engineering.
The Compton Cup Esports Tournament drew significant attention, with eight competitive teams battling for top honors in a high-energy showcase of strategy, teamwork, and technology.
In addition, virtual reality stations offered participants the opportunity to step into fully interactive digital environments, while live student music performances provided entertainment and highlighted the District’s commitment to integrating the arts into STEM education. Judges picked Emerson's booth as the winner in the K-8 category, while Compton High School took top honors in the High School group.
STEAMFest 2026 served as a powerful demonstration of hands-on learning, innovation, and community pride. The event underscored the District’s commitment to preparing students for future careers and is a clear reflection of why Compton Unified is recognized as the number one ranked school district in California.
The District extends its appreciation to its Gold Sponsors for their support in making the event possible: DLR Group, St. John’s Community Health, Think Together, Renaissance, PlayVS, RTX, DI Technology, work ED, Forward Education, and Robolink, as well as the 60+ other sponsors who attended and supported.