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
2700 M Street, Suite 200
Bakersfield, CA 93301
Tax ID #80-0188846