Children from National CORE communities dove into the wonders of science at Hope through Housing’s inaugural science fair, held June 27 in partnership with Life Science Cares at Westlake Village.
Over 30 children and their families floated from station to station, crushing strawberries, peeling layers of onions, designing butterfly wings and testing their reflex skills – with the help of Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals, The Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos and Rapport Therapeutics.
“I liked the hands-on activities and getting to learn from real scientists was cool,” said Sophie, 14, a resident of Westlake Village who has her heart set on a job in the industry.
Sophie’s experience highlights the critical need to bring science education into underserved communities – a mission that Zaira Martinez, partnerships manager for Life Science Cares San Diego, is deeply committed to advancing through her work.
The fair was designed to offer children a dynamic space where they could learn, explore and imagine their futures in life sciences. As industry grows, engaging them early helps ignite curiosity and confidence, allowing children to dream big, Zaira added.
Cobblestone Village resident Maria, a mother of four and a guardian for two more, said the event gave her children a valuable opportunity to learn.
“They were exposed to things I’m sure they hadn’t seen before,” she said. “As mothers working full time, it’s hard to find the time to introduce them to these kinds of experiences.”
Life Science Cares is an organization that is dedicated to improving the health and wellness of the communities they operate in. Hope through Housing has worked with Life Science Cares for over two years. Regional Director Stephanie De La Torre said their partnership has been vital to Hope’s mission.
“This event is just one example of how Life Science Cares continues to show up for our communities,” Stephanie said. “Their support isn’t just meaningful to our staff—it makes a real difference in the lives of our residents. Together, we’re creating opportunities that many families wouldn’t otherwise have access to.”