
About Us
KEDF is a 501(c)(3) organization that focuses on fostering a robust talent pipeline in order to fulfill the demand of STEM jobs in Kern County.
KEDF is dedicated to developing the local workforce to meet the demands of the 4th most STEM-inclusive job economies in the nation.

The organization’s signature event is the Kern County STEMposium. This yearly event allows students to showcase their best STEM projects, businesses to demonstrate STEM-related equipment and skills they use in the workplace, and the community to gather and promote STEM Careers in Kern County.
The Foundation’s Women in STEM group is a driving force in the community for promoting STEM careers to local women through volunteering, mentoring students, and promoting professional development.
Kern Intern Connections, or KIC, is the Foundation’s newest program, promoting internships to students and businesses alike, as well as providing for students a localized website to find and apply for internships in Kern County.
KEDF Team

Richard Chapman
Executive Director

Olivia Franzen
Program Manager
Board of Directors
Mark Wyatt, KEDF Chair
Principal
Bakerfield Adult School
Karen Zuber, KEDF Treasurer
President of Bakersfield, Local Markets
Bank of America
David Franz
Director of Education Partnership
City of Shafter
Megan Lopez
Public Affairs Representative
Chevron
Christina Scrivner, KEDF Vice Chair
Kern Community College District Trustee
Paulina Christenson, KEDF Secretary
IT Manager,
AERA Energy
Paulette Rush
Community Relations Manager
Lightsource bp
Pawan Gill
Program Director HRTP & Workforce Development
Kern Community College District
Jeannie Bertolaccini, KEDF Immediate Past Chair
Principal
Ordiz-Melby Architects
Michelle Corson
Public Relations Officer
Kern County Public Health
Kristy Greenland
Broker Account Manager
Brand New Day Health Plan Central Valley
Jenifer Pitcher
Owner
Jenifer Pitcher Consulting

KEDF links business, education, and the community partners on STEM-related initiatives and projects to foster a robust talent pipeline for Kern County.
Site Map
Homepage
About Us
Career & STEM Expo
Women in STEM
Contact Us
Contact Us
Richard Chapman
Executive Director
Olivia Franzen
Program Manager
2700 M Street, Suite 200
Bakersfield, CA 93301
Tax ID #80-0188846