LA Valley College Hosts STEM Day
Los Angeles Valley College is hosting a Pi/STEM/MEC Day event today, March 10, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on campus. The event is designed to highlight opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics for students.
The event's speakers offer a glimpse into specialized, high-growth sectors. Andrew Baczewski is a quantum physicist from Sandia National Laboratories, which is developing a quantum computing testbed for researchers. Sandra Grigoletti is the U.S. Sales Director for CSC Robotics, a company that designs and builds AI-powered robots for the construction industry, focusing on automation and digitalization. Sandia's work in quantum information science involves creating new quantum computers and the classical software needed to operate them, tackling challenges at the intersection of high-performance computing and theoretical physics. This has direct relevance for software engineers interested in deep tech and algorithmic challenges. CSC Robotics develops products like self-navigating drilling robots, requiring expertise in AI, machine learning, and vision modeling for real-world applications. The Los Angeles tech landscape shows strong demand for these exact skills. In early 2026, roles for AI and machine learning engineers, software engineers with AI integration experience, and data scientists are among the most sought-after positions. This trend is driven by LA's emergence as a national AI hotspot, ranking second in the U.S. for AI funding in late 2024 with $1.8 billion in venture capital in a single quarter. For new computer science graduates, the job market is competitive, with a significant increase in CS graduates over the last decade. However, specialization is key. While general entry-level roles are harder to come by, demand for graduates with skills in AI/ML, cybersecurity, and cloud computing is projected to grow significantly. The fintech and startup scenes in Los Angeles are particularly active areas of opportunity. The city is home to over 500 venture capital firms, and LA-based VC Fika Ventures raised a $160 million fund in 2024 specifically to back AI startups in fintech, healthcare, and enterprise tech. This funding fuels hiring for both software engineering and product management roles at high-growth companies. The activities at the LAVC event, such as demonstrations in 3-D printing, drones, and video game development, mirror the applied AI and robotics focus of the local industry. Companies like LA-based GrayMatter Robotics are actively developing AI-powered robots for manufacturing, highlighting the local demand for talent that can bridge software and physical systems. For a 2026 USC computer science graduate, this points to a clear pathway: leveraging a strong software engineering foundation while building a portfolio in high-demand specializations like AI and machine learning. Experience in these areas is a significant differentiator in a crowded market and aligns with the investment and growth trends in LA's tech ecosystem.
