About
The Center for Innovation in STEM Education (CISE) K–16 STEM Programs include hands-on activities such as 3D printing, laser cutting, vinyl cutting, CNC milling, and working with CAD software. Participants also use an electronics lab, practice Swift coding, and take part in digital media production projects. Programs are guided by CSUDH STEM majors who are trained as Fab Lab Technicians and use tools such as 3D printers, laser cutters, iPads, CAD, Swift coding, and digital media production in their work with students.
• Ages: 5–18 years old
Since 2015, CISE has engaged over 150,000 K–12 students and has prepared and trained thousands of pre-service and in-service teachers, parents, and community members. The programs are home to the Toyota Center for Innovation in STEM Education and use high-tech Fabrication Laboratories equipped with 3D printers, laser cutters, vinyl cutters, CNC mills, CAD software, and an electronics lab, along with Mobile Fab Labs that can be used on or off campus. CISE programs combine fabrication technology with Project-Based Learning (PBL) and Challenge-Based Learning (CBL), and every program includes support for local teacher development, student career exploration, and community engagement. The leadership team includes Dr. Kamal Hamdan, Annenberg Endowed Professor & Executive Director at CISE, CSUDH; Laura Avendano, Director of K–12 STEAM & Professional Development Programs; Jessica Renteria, Director of Fabrication Lab Projects; and Sandra Ramos, Director of Undergraduate & Toro Tutors Programs. CISE focuses on equity in action by creating access to STEAM learning in underrepresented communities across Southern California and offers student-centered mentorship with local, diverse college mentors serving as role models. CISE is continuously forming partnerships with high-need schools, school districts, community colleges, and industry partners, and engages K–16 students and educators through strategic partnerships with K–16 educators, communities, and industry leaders. The mission of CISE is to lead the way in equitable and impactful STEM education by inspiring K–16 students through hands-on experiences in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, empowering educators with professional development in NGSS and fabrication technologies, increasing representation of women and historically underrepresented communities in STEM fields, and addressing the nationwide shortage of qualified STEM educators through leadership, innovation, and service.
Last updated July 14, 2026.
• Ages: 5–18 years old
Since 2015, CISE has engaged over 150,000 K–12 students and has prepared and trained thousands of pre-service and in-service teachers, parents, and community members. The programs are home to the Toyota Center for Innovation in STEM Education and use high-tech Fabrication Laboratories equipped with 3D printers, laser cutters, vinyl cutters, CNC mills, CAD software, and an electronics lab, along with Mobile Fab Labs that can be used on or off campus. CISE programs combine fabrication technology with Project-Based Learning (PBL) and Challenge-Based Learning (CBL), and every program includes support for local teacher development, student career exploration, and community engagement. The leadership team includes Dr. Kamal Hamdan, Annenberg Endowed Professor & Executive Director at CISE, CSUDH; Laura Avendano, Director of K–12 STEAM & Professional Development Programs; Jessica Renteria, Director of Fabrication Lab Projects; and Sandra Ramos, Director of Undergraduate & Toro Tutors Programs. CISE focuses on equity in action by creating access to STEAM learning in underrepresented communities across Southern California and offers student-centered mentorship with local, diverse college mentors serving as role models. CISE is continuously forming partnerships with high-need schools, school districts, community colleges, and industry partners, and engages K–16 students and educators through strategic partnerships with K–16 educators, communities, and industry leaders. The mission of CISE is to lead the way in equitable and impactful STEM education by inspiring K–16 students through hands-on experiences in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, empowering educators with professional development in NGSS and fabrication technologies, increasing representation of women and historically underrepresented communities in STEM fields, and addressing the nationwide shortage of qualified STEM educators through leadership, innovation, and service.
Last updated July 14, 2026.
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