Monterey County STEM Talent Expo

How is STEM Education Preparing Students for the Workforce?

Highlights local opportunities and how regional industries are shaping the future of STEM.

Convened by the Hartnell College Foundation President's

STEM Task Force

Wednesday, March 18, 2026

1:00 – 4:00 PM

Hartnell College STEM Center Lobby

This exciting, free, one-day event will connect STEM industry leaders to talented students, former students, and community members who are looking for opportunities to further their education and career opportunities in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics [STEM].

MC Stem Talent Expo 2026 – Keynote Speaker

Josh Metz

Executive Director of the Monterey Bay Drone, Automation and Robotics Technology (DART)

Josh Metz is the Executive Director of the Monterey Bay Drone, Automation and Robotics Technology (DART) Initiative, where he works at the intersection of industry, education, government, and community-based organizations to unlock the economic and workforce potential of the emerging low-altitude economy. As an ecosystem catalyst, DART advances integrated strategies across workforce development, enabling infrastructure, and public policy to ensure the region is prepared for the next generation of aviation, automation, and robotics careers.

Under Josh’s leadership, the DART team has helped establish leading-edge training and career pathway programs in partnership with Joby Aviation, including the Advanced Manufacturing Apprenticeship Program (AMAP), which has resulted in more than 100 local hires with support from the James Irvine Foundation, and the Aircraft Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship (AMTA) pilot, currently underway with support from California Jobs First and the K–16 Collaborative. DART has also launched innovative early-career and CTE initiatives such as the RV-12 Airplane Build Pilot in collaboration with Pajaro Valley Unified School District, the Experimental Aircraft Association, and the City of Watsonville, as well as small Uncrewed Aerial Systems (sUAS) training programs with Hartnell College and UC Santa Cruz’s CITRIS Institute for Drone Education and Research, including the UCANR Drone Camp now entering its eighth year at CSUMB and UCMBEST.

Josh is deeply passionate about connecting young people to inspiring, future-relevant career pathways and ensuring that emerging technologies translate into inclusive opportunity for the communities of Monterey County and beyond.

Welcome to the Monterey County STEM Talent Expo 2026

Welcome to the Monterey County STEM Talent Expo 2026

How is STEM Education Preparing Students for the Workforce?