Stephanie Buggs

Stephanie currently holds the position of STEM Education Partnership Manager at The Tech Interactive. Within this role, she is instrumental in supporting the expansion of The Tech Challenge. Her responsibilities span both regional initiatives in California and international endeavors in Kenya, where The Tech Challenge aims to inspire and engage students from diverse backgrounds in Grades 4-12.

Each year, we create a new design challenge inspired by a real-world scenario. Teams document every step of their process including testing, brainstorming, and most importantly what they learn through experimentation and failure. Our challenge hopes to inspire and engage students that have been historically under-represented in STEM fields. The challenge culminates in a Final Showcase, where the teams present their project to judges in front of family, friends and community members. Tech Challenge aligns with Common Core Standards, Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and helps students build 21st Century Skills like communication, collaboration, critical thinking and problem solving.

Stephanie facilitates partnerships and collaborates with stakeholders, this includes providing support for educators and students through free events and resources. Her work reflects a dedication to preparing the next generation of innovators and problem solvers, both locally and globally.
 

The Tech Interactive is a world class science and technology center in the heart of the Silicon Valley that welcomes over 250,000 visitors a year. Visitors are encouraged to explore the 130,000 square feet of hands-on activities, exploratory labs and design challenge experiences as well as interactive exhibits on climate change, robotics, innovations in healthcare, cybersecurity and more. The center is also home to the largest IMAX Dome Theater on the West Coast, offering educational films and the occasional Hollywood blockbuster.

The Tech is a mission driven organization that develops the next generation of problem-solvers locally, nationally and globally, through the creation and distribution of world-class immersive STEAM education resources. We believe that everyone is born an innovator who can change the world for the better. The Tech draws its strength from its location at the center of Silicon Valley: from its founding and leadership, its mission and operating philosophy, its commitment to innovation and making a difference in the lives of young people. The Tech is truly a community resource that gives back to and draws power from the inspiring ecosystem it calls home.