About Us

KEDF is a 501(c)(3) organization 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 Career and STEM Expo, cohosted by the Kern High School District. 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 to support 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

Christina Scrivner, Chair
Kern Community College District Trustee

David Franz, Vice Chair
Director of Education Partnership
City of Shafter

Karen Zuber, Treasurer
President of Bakersfield, Local Markets
Bank of America

Paulina Christenson, Secretary
IT Manager,
AERA Energy

Mark Wyatt, Immediate Past Chair
Principal
Bakersfield Adult School

Cheryl Scott
Executive Director
Bakersfield College Foundation

Megan Lopez
Public Affairs Representative
Chevron

Mikin Plummer
Executive Director/CEO
Kern County Builders Exchange

Thatcher Weldon
Director, Workforce and Economic Development
Kern Community College District

Jeannie Bertolaccini
Principal Architect
Ordiz-Melby Architects

Jenifer VanAlstein
Owner
J Pitcher Consulting

Michelle Corson
Public Relations Officer
Kern County Public Health

Brandon Billings
Financial Advisor
Merrill Lynch Wealth Management

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

661.862.5162

2700 M Street, Suite 200
Bakersfield, CA 93301

Tax ID #80-0188846