Victor Casas
Hello
Victor Casas
Advisory Board Member
About Me
Victor M. Casas is a distinguished academic administrator, educator and nonprofit leader. Victor has distinguished himself as an educational leader whose career is defined by a deep commitment to innovation, equity, and the integration of technology within the arts and sciences. With over 15 years of leadership experience spanning K-12 secondary education, higher education, and the nonprofit sector, Victor has consistently championed programs that empower diverse learner populations and prepare them for the complexities of the 21st-century workforce. Victor is currently serving as a member of LA STEM Collective’s Advisory Board.

Most recently, Victor served as the Advanced Placement Computer Science Teacher and Professional Learning Community (PLC) Lead for Career Technical Education (CTE) at Rancho San Juan High School within the Salinas Union High School District. In this capacity, he has spearheaded the implementation of Advanced Placement Computer Science Principles, Cyber Security, and introductory computer science courses, acting as a critical liaison between the district and regional occupational programs. His leadership extends beyond the classroom to coordinating community events and fostering collaboration between administration, counseling, and career centers to ensure student success.

Victor's impact on higher education is highlighted by his recent tenure at Woodbury University/University of Redlands (2020–2024), where he served as a Coordinator-Learning Specialist for the Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) Title V Grant. During this time, he played a pivotal role in establishing four undergraduate pathways in Computer Science and Data Analytics. His work involved conducting academic research, designing instructional processes, program management and reporting, professional development, and developing policies for the integration of Artificial Intelligence into the curriculum. As an Adjunct Professor at Woodbury, he further contributed to the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences by instructing courses in STEAM and prototyping in design computation.

A recognized authority in computer science education, Victor has held significant leadership roles within the Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA), serving as both President and Vice-President of the Southern California Chapter. His career milestones include serving as a pre-pilot/pilot instructor for the formal launch of AP Computer Science Principles in Los Angeles Unified School District and participating in National Science Foundation (NSF) funded initiatives such as "Exploring Computer Science" and the "Mobilizing" grant. These roles underscore his dedication to broadening participation in computing, particularly for underrepresented ethnic and gender groups. This commitment was also evident in his work with the SMASH Program at UCLA, where he supervised pre-undergraduate scholars in a STEM-focused summer residency.

Prior to his focus on computer science, Victor built a robust foundation in media arts and school-site leadership. He served as a Magnet School Lead Teacher and Department Chair at Hollywood High School’s New Media Academy, where he designed courses integrated across CTE and Linked Learning Pathways. His early career also includes a tenure as President and CEO of Apteum, Inc., where he provided strategic marketing, business consulting, and industrial design services. This unique blend of entrepreneurial experience and academic expertise allows him to bridge the gap between industry needs and educational outcomes.

Victor holds a Master of Science in Educational Administration (Summa Cum Laude) from National University, where he also earned his Preliminary Administrative Services Credential. He is a graduate of California State University, Los Angeles, with a Bachelor of Arts in Fine Art & Design and is a candidate for a Master of Fine Arts. Recognized in Marquis Who’s Who in America (2024), Victor continues to be an active voice in the global STEM/STEAM executive community, fostering a culture of excellence and institutional belonging through his leadership.
"Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?'" – Martin Luther King Jr.

Our LA STEM Collective members commit each day to sharing the joys and opportunities of science, tech, engineering and math education to students. Today as we remember Martin Luther King Jr., we should each ask ourselves - how are we servicing a greater good: in our families, in our communities, and for our world.

The LA STEM Collective is a growing network of 150 organizations dedicated to serving the greater good by sharing STEM learning opportunities with students and learners of all ages around Los Angeles County. 

How are you spending your Martin Luther King Day? Let us know in the comments ⬇️

#MLKDay #MartinLutherKingJr #DreamBig #ServeWithPurpose #TeachTheDream
Happy Holidays, LA STEM!

Wishing you and your loved ones a bright holiday season and New Year -- may your code compile, your chemical reactions have no waste, and your triangle ruler be always within reach. It's been an incredible 2025, and we are excited for 2026!

With joy,
The LA STEM Collective team 🥳

#LASTEM #STEM #Science #Technology #Engineering #Math
Happy Holidays, LA STEM! Are you still searching for the perfect gift for that special someone? 

Maybe they’ll love…

A chromebook from @human_i_t to learn how to code 🧑‍💻

A rainbow lightbulb from @museumofneonart to provide a spark of inspiration 💡

A Catalina bison from @emeraldbayoutdooracademy to share their love of CA wildlife 🦬

A DNA ring from @etsy to show off their STEM style 💅

Or an “I’m a Scientist” tee from @hiphopscienceshow to let the world know how awesome they are! 🔬

Check out these gifts and more from the LA STEM Collective’s 2025 STEM Gift Guide at www.LASTEMCollective.org/GiftGuide

#STEMGifts #STEMToys #STEMLearning #EducationalGifts #GiftIdeasForKids #KidsGiftGuide #GiftsForKids #EarlyLearning #HandsOnLearning #LearningThroughPlay #SmartToys #FutureInnovators #CuriousKids #CreativeKids #ParentsOfInstagram #TeachersOfInstagram #etsy
Wrap science or engineering in this year’s gifts – from 13 year olds to 18 year olds, we’ve created a specialized list of fun and engaging hands-on gifts.
 
🎧 Explore all facets of STEM with a Eureka Create – build a set of headphones, a working laser speaker or printing press with this box of fun

🧬 Celebrate loving STEM in small and large ways with a set of STEM enamel pins, perfect for a lanyard or backpack

🪓Get crafty with @parksandrec’s Nick Offerman with the Little Woodchucks book, perfect for the maker in your family

🪺Dive into the world of birds with Wingspan - build habitats and create a strategy to protect your birds!
 
Check out these gifts and more from the LA STEM Collective’s 2025 STEM Gift Guide at www.LASTEMCollective.org/GiftGuide

#STEMGifts #STEMToys #STEMLearning #EducationalGifts #GiftIdeasForKids #KidsGiftGuide #GiftsForKids #EarlyLearning #HandsOnLearning #LearningThroughPlay #SmartToys #FutureInnovators #CuriousKids #CreativeKids #ParentsOfInstagram #TeachersOfInstagram #parksandrec #parksandrecreation
Do you have an inquisitive 8 year old at home? Does your pre-teen neighbor get SUPER excited about tech? 

You may be the perfect person to inspire them with a STEM gift this holiday season!

Check out our gifts for 8-12 year olds, including:

A spider robot from @nhmla to bring Spiderman and technology together 🕸️

A Crystal Garden from @nationalgeo to wow them with beautiful chemistry 🧪

Jane’s Endangered Animal Guide by JJ Johnson and Christian Simms  from @rootsandshoots to inspire them and learn about animals around the world 🦍

Or a Circuit Maze Board Game to spark their logical thinking and challenge themselves ⚙️

Check out these gifts and more from the LA STEM Collective’s 2025 STEM Gift Guide at www.LASTEMCollective.org/GiftGuide

#STEMGifts #STEMToys #STEMLearning #EducationalGifts #GiftIdeasForKids #KidsGiftGuide #GiftsForKids #EarlyLearning #HandsOnLearning #LearningThroughPlay #SmartToys #FutureInnovators #CuriousKids #CreativeKids #ParentsOfInstagram #TeachersOfInstagram
📚Quotes from the Classroom 📚

Expanded learning and afterschool programming offer opportunities for students to explore their interests, see role models, and practice what they’ve learned in the classroom. This Spring, LA STEM brought hands-on STEM programs to 46 afterschool programs at LAUSD schools this spring.

Afterwards, we asked the afterschool educators to share an “a-HA” moment that their students had during their programs. Here’s what they said:

📐 “I recall a student [who] was a special ed student. Although the activity was challenging, he tried and was able to participate. This was a rewarding experience for all involved.” 📐

The LA STEM Collective brings challenging and rewarding hands-on STEM activities to schools around LA County. Learn more at www.LASTEMCollective.org

#STEM #LASTEM #ExpandedLearning #StudentLearning #Education #STEMEducation #HandsOnLearning
Are you still hunting for the perfect gift for your little one?

Give your little one the gift of creative and imaginative playtime this holiday. Help them practice their fine motor skills and spark wonder with these science gifts.

 ⚙️Take engineering on the go with a Magna-Tiles Travel Set 

🌧️ See physics in motion during bathtime with Plui Rain Cloud from @kidspacemuseum

🍃 Explore the great outdoors with Backpack Explorer: On the Nature Trail: What Will You Find? 

🦋 Watch the amazing lifecycle of butterflies with a Butterfly Garden Kit 

Check out these gifts and more from the LA STEM Collective’s 2025 STEM Gift Guide at www.LASTEMCollective.org/GiftGuide

#STEMGifts #STEMToys #STEMLearning #EducationalGifts #GiftIdeasForKids #KidsGiftGuide #GiftsForKids #EarlyLearning #HandsOnLearning #LearningThroughPlay #SmartToys #FutureInnovators #CuriousKids #CreativeKids #ParentsOfInstagram #TeachersOfInstagram #LASTEM #STEM
📚Quotes from the Classroom 📚

Earlier this year, LA STEM partnered with @girlsinfocus.la and 16 LA STEM organizations to bring science, technology, engineering and math to 46 LAUSD middle and elementary schools.

Afterwards, we asked the afterschool educators to share an “a-HA” moment that their students had during their programs. Here’s what Dunya of Girls IN Focus shared:

🎥 “A student completed the group animation project and had time to do her own "original" 20 page sequence with her favorite character. We recorded her flip book animation on her phone and she was able to add some sound and music and share her "film" with friends. I think this brought home the concept that animated films are ideas from your head shared through technology for any audience.” 🎥

#STEM #LASTEM #ExpandedLearning #StudentLearning #Education #STEMEducation #HandsOnLearning #film #studentfilm #technology #flipbook #art #arteducation