Join West Valley College for a lively slate of on-campus events the third weekend in May as our community celebrates an art and design festival’s fifth anniversary, showcases STEM students work, welcomes a youth town hall, and brings volunteers together to fight hunger.
“For a glimpse at the volume, variety, and vibrancy of talent in action at West Valley College, this is a must-see, must-do weekend,” said WVC President Jennifer Taylor-Mendoza. “We are the community’s college, and we encourage you to immerse yourself in all that is on offer — on this special weekend and year-round.”
Get STEAM’D, from Art to Astronomy
Step onto campus for an immersive experience in fields across science, technology, engineering, art, mathematics, and design.
The college's premier interdisciplinary showcase, STEAM’D Fest, kicks off May 14 with a 6 p.m. live performance of Jazz Under the Stars in the Kvamme Planetarium, followed at 7 p.m. by the grand opening of our Digital Music Center, and at 8 p.m. by the Cilker Student Film Fest.
A highlight of STEAM’D Fest 2026 is the Cilker Art + Design Expo fifth anniversary celebration. In partnership with Content magazine, the Expo features more than a dozen workshops, demonstrations, and performances on May 15 alone, concluding May 16 with the popular Dance Caravan. Enjoy presentations of student work across the architecture, design, visual, and performing arts programs from a musical theater performance to the graduating student fashion show.
Three years ago, the School of Science + Math joined forces with Cilker to form STEAM’D Fest. Today, the STEM Expo showcases demonstrations from across fields including environmental conservation, machine learning, data analysis, and more. Step into presentations from “The Physics of the Force” to “The Future of Tech,” play sustainability games at the Climate Carnival, or enjoy some laughs courtesy of science comedian Brian Malow.
Tomorrow's Leaders Start Here
Students looking to explore civic engagement, community organizations, and career pathways are invited to attend the Youth Town Hall hosted by Los Gatos Mayor Rob Moore from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 16 at West Valley. Geared toward young people in eighth grade through community college, participants will connect with leaders including a tech founder, a Stanford professor, healthcare executive, student advocate, and elected officials committed to engaging with the next generation.
The event will feature a Q&A session with leaders as well as an opportunity for students to share their ideas, findings, and concerns with the larger group. Breakout groups by career areas will give participants a chance to meet with professionals in industries such as finance, climate and social justice, government, and STEM. Resource booths will present internship, volunteer, and involvement opportunities. Register online.
Combating Hunger, Together
Come together with students, colleagues, and community volunteers from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. May 16 in the WVC gymnasium as West Valley partners with Rotary District 5170 and Rise Against Hunger to help package more than 25,000 nutritious meals for those experiencing food insecurity. Let’s demonstrate our shared commitment to equity, compassion, and collective action.
“This event reflects who we are as a college — committed to service, community, and creating real-world impact beyond our campus,” said WVC Vice President for Strategy & Equity Andrea Vizenor.
No experience is needed; training and materials will be provided on-site. Participate for an hour or for the full session to make a difference. Register online to volunteer.