by John M. Eger
August 17, 2025
Generation STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math), a new 501(c)(3) organization, will launch a life sciences program in September called FutureReady. The program will deliver life science–based curriculum and hands-on learning experiences for disadvantaged youth from the Monarch School, San Pasqual Academy, and Lindsay Community School in San Diego County.
Generation STEAM was established by Biocom California and is now supported annually by major corporate sponsors, including Illumina, COX, Bristol Myers Squibb, Qualcomm, and others.
Founded around 2021, Generation STEAM is a relative newcomer to the STEAM movement, adding the arts to Biocom’s long-running Festival of Science and Engineering, which has been held for over 16 years. The organization is dedicated to empowering K–12 students and educators, recognizing that STEM has evolved into STEAM in acknowledgment of the arts’ essential role in education.
Other local initiatives include UC San Diego’s Sally Ride Science programs and the University of San Diego’s STEAM Academy, both of which partner with K–12 schools to embed STEAM principles into the curriculum.
These efforts are commendable, yet they echo a warning sounded nearly 30 years ago by U.S. Education Secretary Richard Riley. Citing a Labor Department study, Riley predicted:
“The top 10 jobs most in demand don’t yet exist; they will use technologies that haven’t yet been invented to solve problems we don’t even know are problems yet.”
He was speaking about 2010. Now it’s 2025, and his prediction has not only come true—it has multiplied beyond imagination. Artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced technologies have transformed the workplace and daily life faster than our schools can adapt.
The push to strengthen science, technology, engineering, and math education began in 1956 when the Fleet Science Center in Balboa Park brought together 60 community leaders to discuss the future of STEM. Eventually, educators added the “A” for the arts, recognizing that creativity drives innovation.
According to a recent UCTV interview with Edward Abeyta, Associate Dean for Education and Community Outreach for UC San Diego, STEAM became the framework for the creation of [their] K-16 division in 2010. “It was inspired by Harvey White, co-founder of Qualcomm Inc., who believed the Arts (the creative skills) plus STEM are key for industry success. STEM education is necessary but it is not sufficient – we must have STEAM education – our future is at risk otherwise.”
MacArthur “genius grant” recipient Robert Root-Bernstein made this point in his book Sparks of Genius, showing how history’s greatest scientists—Galileo, Einstein, Morse—were also artists, musicians, and writers. Neuroscience and education research have since reinforced the value of blending art and science to cultivate the most creative problem solvers.
San Diego Unified is also moving forward. Julie Garcia, Senior Director of STEM, reports that the district’s Instructional Technology and Integrated Technology divisions are developing a district-wide task force to address AI in education, determining where it belongs in instructional materials and curricula. Recently, the district opened a dedicated STEAM lab in Scripps Ranch, complete with 3D printers, laser cutters, and flexible learning spaces for K–12 students.
The Harsh Reality: Too Little, Too Late?
Despite these advances, STEAM has yet to be fully integrated into schools. In many classrooms, the approach still depends on the initiative of individual teachers. And even if STEAM were implemented universally tomorrow, it might not be enough.
Robotics, AI, and the “Internet of Everything” are rewriting the rules of work and society. AI-powered learning platforms are poised to deliver world-class education at a fraction of the cost, threatening not only traditional schooling but also specialized programs like STEAM.
If education systems cannot adapt at the pace of technological change, we risk leaving students unprepared for a future that is already here. STEAM remains important—but as a starting point, not the finish line.
The real challenge is building an education system that evolves as quickly as the world around it.
