Cal Poly Pomona Rose Float team president Allyson Castillo (‘26 mechanical engineering) and SLO team president Bennett Parisi (‘26, master's in electrical and electronics engineering) explain how students design and build a float for the Tournament of Roses Parade and the skills they learn in the program.

“Regardless of wherever you started and whatever your background is, there is always different ways for every student to contribute to our program,” says Castillo. This year’s float, “Soaring as One,” features whimsical birds, multiple animations and will be covered by approximately 42,000 flowers. More more than 300 students participate in the unique, hands-on, interdisciplinary program.

This article was originally published by Pasadena Now on October 28, 2026.