SALINAS, Calif. — Students, job seekers, and members of the broader community interested in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics are invited to attend the Monterey County STEM Talent Expo today, Wednesday, March 18, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Hartnell College STEM Center.

Open to the public at no cost, this one-day event welcomes individuals at all stages of their career journey and connects local STEM talent with employers, education partners, and workforce leaders offering real-world career pathways. Advance registration on Eventbrite is required, and space is limited.

Career-Ready Resources Available at No Cost

The Monterey County STEM Talent Expo offers hands-on opportunities attendees can use immediately, including:

• Free professional headshots for LinkedIn profiles and resumes
• Mock interviews with industry professionals to build confidence and sharpen interview skills
• Networking with more than 25 employers and education partners
• Direct access to STEM education, internships, and career pathways

“This event is designed to remove barriers and provide practical tools not only for students, but for anyone in the community exploring or advancing a STEM career,” said event organizers. “From mock interviews to professional headshots, attendees leave better prepared for the workforce.”

Keynote, Panel, and Student Speakers

The event begins with a keynote address and industry panel discussion from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. in the STEM Center Planetarium, followed by student spotlight speakers and the STEM Expo from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Student speakers from Hartnell College, Monterey Peninsula College, and CSU Monterey Bay will share firsthand experiences navigating STEM education and career pathways.

Participating Organizations & Tabling Partners (2026)

• Chevron
• CITRIS
• County of Monterey
• CSU Monterey Bay (CSUMB)
• CSUMB Mechatronics Engineering Program
• FAB LAB – Monterey County Office of Education
• Granite Construction
• Hartnell College
• Joby Aviation
• MBARI (Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute)
• MBEP (Monterey Bay Economic Partnership)
• MIRA
• Monterey Bay Aquarium
• Monterey Bay DART (Drone, Automation and Robotics Technology)
• Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce
• Monterey Peninsula College (MPC)
• Read To Me Project
• Rosser with Anatomage
• Salinas Community Science Workshop
• Salinas Valley Chamber of Commerce
• Tito with Rovers
• UC Santa Cruz
• UC Santa Cruz – Educational Partnership Center
• Ventana Wildlife Society

These organizations represent industries including aerospace, engineering, robotics, environmental science, education, healthcare technology, workforce development, and advanced manufacturing.

Who Should Attend

• College and high school students
• Recent graduates
• Career changers
• Community members exploring STEM opportunities
• Anyone seeking hands-on career preparation and direct connections with employers

Event Details

Monterey County STEM Talent Expo
Date: Today — Wednesday, March 18, 2026
Time: 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Location: Hartnell College STEM Center, Salinas
Admission: Free (registration required)

Register Today

Advance registration is required to attend and to participate in mock interviews and professional headshots.

Register for free on Eventbrite:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/welcome-to-the-monterey-county-stem-talent-expo-2026-tickets-1906561961149?aff=oddtdtcreator

Media & Community Contact

Andrea Sanchez
Hartnell College Foundation
asanchez@hartnellcollegefoundation.org