Mayfair’s CSF Visits CalTech

The California Scholarship Federation, commonly referred to as CSF, is a state-wide organization that acknowledges academic excellence and provides scholarship opportunities. Many high schools branch out this organization in the form of a club including Mayfair. On February 26, 2026, Mayfair High School’s CSF was given the opportunity to tour the California Institute of Technology, also known as CalTech. Founded in September 23, 1891, this STEM private university is located in Pasadena and is known for their scientific and technological innovation. 

Students met at the front of the school between 9:30 to 9:45 AM, eagerly waiting for the school bus to arrive. There was a tidbit of miscommunication between the bus driver and the adviser, but nonetheless, they were able to make their way to CalTech. After approximately one hour of driving, CSF was able to enter the university that greeted them with modern buildings and beautiful architecture. Furthermore, there were gardens and turtle-filled ponds that were awaiting the attendees. 

The president, Alan Rodriguez, and vice president, Carlos Dominguez, were able to give the students a tour of the campus based on the university’s tour guidebook. They were able to explore various areas of CalTech that specialized in different areas of science, technology, and humanities. 

For instance, Monsoons first visited the Beckman Institute which is a research center for studying chemical and biological sciences. The Beckman Institute was named after the inventor of the pH meter, Dr. Arnold Beckman which improved researching automatic chemical analysis. There were other remarkable colleges within the university such as the Broad Center for the Biological Sciences founded by the Edythe and Eli Broad Foundation. Others included the Gates-Thomas Laboratory of Engineering, Jorgensen Laboratory, Richard N Merkin Institute for Translational Research, etc. 

These colleges dedicate their research towards finding solutions that will sustain Earth for years to come. For instance, the Ronald and Maxine Lin Hall of Environmental Science contain researchers who question the climate and its future. They are determined to consider changes needed to be made in order to combat climate change. Another significant program is the Firestone Flight Sciences Laboratory, that researches ways to improve flight transportation. Researchers were able to develop wind tunnels and help airplanes fly with smaller tails which improved gas efficiency, lessening their impact on the environment. CalTech is also known for their legacy of seismology — the study of earthquakes. Currently, researchers are working to develop an early earthquake system which can determine their location and range that can save multiple lives. 

Within this campus, there were two historic buildings: The Parson Gate Hall of Administration and the Dabney Hall of Humanities. With its intricate architecture, the Parson Gate Hall of Administration is the first building to meet the 100-year-old threshold, making it the oldest and pivotal piece of CalTech’s history. Originally known as the Gates Laboratory of Chemistry, it was built in 1917 to persuade Arthur A. Noyes, a chemist, to join their staff. It was then repurposed, making it the heart of CalTech’s administration. The Dabney Hall of Humanities is one of the oldest buildings in this university. Another place with lovely architecture, this hall was the original building for the humanities department. After being renovated in 2004, it was then reworked as a hub for humanities studies. 

After touring around the university, students were able to explore on their own. Many were able to visit areas ranging from CalTech Hall, to their adorable turtle pond, their art gallery (within the dining hall) to its gift shop. Although it was a relatively small campus, there were many attractions that showcased the university’s beauty from its quaint halls to its appealing fountains. 

After around an hour of traversing CalTech, the attendees gathered back together around the Beckman Institute to leave. Students returned to Mayfair around 3:15 PM where some left home while others returned to their seventh period. 

Mayfair CSF was able to give Monsoons the chance to visit CalTech, giving Monsoons knowledge and insight on STEM research and career pathways — especially from a place that created notable alumni and innovative researchers. Thank you Mayfair CSF for this experience; we are looking forward to future college tour opportunities! 

Photo Courtesy of Andrew Tan and Sophia Dio.