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Ignite Initiative Press Release

The 2025 EngineerGirl Writing Contest opened in September. The theme this year is “Innovating Smarter” and we’re asking students to write a piece describing a common object they would make “smart” and tell us what it would do, how it would help people, and what could go wrong. The contest is open to all students, of any gender, in grades 3-12 and the deadline is February 1, 2025. The prize for first place in each of three grade categories is $1,000. There is also a note for educators and tips for using the contest in a classroom on the EngineerGirl website.

The 2025 VEX Robotics Regional and State Competitions will bring nearly 1,000 students together at LSU to showcase their STEM skills and creativity on January 25, 2025, and February 22-23, 2025, with opportunities for volunteers and sponsors to support young innovators in action.

On October 19, 2024, the East Baton Rouge Parish Libraries hosted their annual Maker Faire, a hub for innovation and creativity where local artists, engineers, crafters, and scientists came together to share their skills with the community.

Future Use of Energy in Louisiana, designed to position the state as a global leader in energy transition, is offering grants of $100,000 to $125,000 to help entrepreneurs prove their clean energy projects can be commercialized.

LSU, in collaboration with Halliburton and ExxonMobil, is drilling a new CO2 research well at its Petroleum Engineering Research, Training, and Testing (PERTT) Lab in early 2025. This well will allow students, researchers, and industry professionals to study CO2 in various phases and test technologies for safe carbon capture and storage under realistic conditions.

Kenilworth Science and Technology Academy, in partnership with the LSU Gordon A. Cain Center, will host the 13th Louisiana Elementary Math & Coding Olympiad (LEMCO) on February 22, 2025. This event offers 5th-grade students across Louisiana the chance to compete in math and coding challenges, with opportunities to win exciting prizes while engaging in STEM education.

The Louisiana Department of Education has been awarded a $405,000 grant from the National Academies’ Gulf Research Program to create the state’s first STEM-based aquaponics program. The initiative, "Greauxing STEM-Stewards," will be piloted at Westside Junior High School, integrating technology, sustainable farming, and environmental education to enhance student engagement and awareness of local Gulf Coast environmental issues and STEM careers.

Woodland Biofuels plans to invest $1.35 billion to establish one of the world's largest renewable biofuels facilities in Southeast Louisiana, producing carbon-negative renewable natural gas and green hydrogen. The project is expected to generate 110 direct jobs and over 250 indirect jobs, with construction projected to begin following a final investment decision in late 2025.

A former AmeriCorps VISTA member reflects on their experience at the Capital Area STEM Network Center, where they contributed to STEM education initiatives and capacity building. Their journey, leading in outreach and community engagement, highlights the importance and lasting impact of STEM education in Louisiana.

Twelve exceptional educators, including five from Louisiana, have been selected for the National Institute for Excellence in Teaching's (NIET) 2024 Fellows Program, each receiving $10,000 for their exemplary teaching and leadership. This program not only recognizes their dedication but also empowers them to further enhance their teaching practices and contribute to educational initiatives nationwide.

The Louisiana NASA EPSCoR program is currently accepting pre-proposals for FY 2024, with a strict timeline requiring a Notice of Intent by September 19, 2024, and full pre-proposals by October 17, 2024. This process is crucial for selecting the state's submission that will compete for national NASA funding, with all necessary documents and resources available on the Louisiana NASA EPSCoR website.

The Ignite Project, developed by the Louisiana Department of Education and the Capital Area STEM Network Center, provided a 40-hour professional learning opportunity for elementary teachers to enhance their computer science knowledge and skills. Through a "train the trainer" workshop model, over 751 teachers from across Louisiana participated, gaining expertise in block programming, cybersafety, hardware, software, and computational thinking.

The Spark Your Summer 2024 program empowered single mothers from the ALICE population by offering hands-on training in practical STEM skills such as hand tool usage, automotive care, electrical basics, and HVAC systems. Hosted at the Greenwell Springs East Baton Rouge Parish Library, we also engaged children in STEM activities, fostering confidence and building a supportive community.

The QSM Grant Program offers up to $2,000 for STEM materials and equipment for Louisiana's PK-12 teachers. A writing workshop on August 14th will help educators craft compelling grant proposals, providing tips on aligning projects with standards and demonstrating student benefits.

LASTEM Region 8 at Louisiana Tech University officially relaunched the Louisiana Girls Collaborative as part of their ongoing state-wide Girls in STEM emphasis. As part of this initiative, an exclusive periodical newsletter will feature resources monthly for girls in STEM across Louisiana. Please click to download the August 2024 Newsletter to learn more!

Are you a maker, artist, musician, or a creative person of any kind? Share your talents at the Baton Rouge Maker Faire on October 19 at the Main Library at Goodwood. Call for makers is open at ebrpl.co/makers.

We Greaux People, in collaboration with the LSU Gordon A. Cain Center for STEM Literacy and Capital Area STEM, invites you to a FREE Google CS First Workshop. This event is tailored for elementary and middle school teachers eager to integrate computer science into their educational toolkit.

LASTEM Region 8 at Louisiana Tech University officially relaunched the Louisiana Girls Collaborative as part of their ongoing state-wide Girls in STEM emphasis. As part of this initiative, an exclusive periodical newsletter will feature resources monthly for girls in STEM across Louisiana. Please click to download the June 2024 Newsletter to learn more!

The Capital Area STEM Network Center is excited to announce the return of the Spark Your Summer program, designed to empower and uplift single mothers, particularly those within the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) demographic. This initiative is a collaboration with the East Baton Rouge Parish Library’s STEM Team and East Baton Rouge Parish Career and Technical Education Center (CTEC). This year's program will be held at the Greenwell Springs Branch Library on July 20 and July 27, from 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM, with lunch included. Participants will receive hands-on training in essential skills such as hand tools, automotive care, basic electricity, and HVAC systems. Each session includes lunch and engaging STEM activities for children.

A group of 40 high school interns at Exxon-Mobil recently embarked on an exhilarating STEM escape room challenge at the East Baton Rouge Parish Career and Technical Education Center (CTEC) on Thursday, June 13, 2024.

Parents and families, don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity for your children to explore the world of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Sign up for future sessions and watch your kids' curiosity and confidence in STEM subjects grow. Visit www.geauxgirls.org to learn more and get involved. These workshops are free, and all you need to do is sign up today!

Are you a high school student driven by a passion for mathematics that transcends conventional boundaries? Immerse yourself in the world of advanced mathematics with the Math Circle's virtual summer program. Now entering its fourth year, this esteemed program offers a rigorous and enriching experience designed for students dedicated to enhancing their mathematical skill sets.

Discover how the new collaboration between the Capital Area STEM Network Center, CompTIA, and LSU Gordon A. Cain Center for STEM Literacy is revolutionizing IT education in Louisiana, offering students and educators access to industry-recognized certifications and comprehensive resources, setting them up for success in the tech industry.

The East Baton Rouge Parish Career & Technical Education Center (CTEC) students have once again demonstrated their exceptional technical skills at the recent SkillsUSA competition in Houma. Representing schools from across the parish, these students showcased their expertise and dedication, bringing home an impressive array of awards and accolades.

In March 2024, Louisiana State University’s Chemistry Department in collaboration with Capital Area STEM and the LSU Gordon A. Cain Center for STEM Literacy proudly hosted the third annual You Be The Chemist Regional Challenge. This event showcases the passion for chemistry among young students and also fosters their interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields. The competition this year was particularly special as one of the winning team from our Regional Challenge went on to become the State Winners for Louisiana.

The Atlas Tigers Robotics Team, a group of exceptional middle school students from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, has consistently excelled in the First Lego League Robotics competitions, showcasing their talent and dedication to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). Their journey is about more than robotics; it's a story of perseverance, teamwork, and the pursuit of excellence.

LSU's Summer Academy for high schoolers runs July 15–26, 2024, with registration closing May 31. Explore subjects like 3D printing and game design for $1,250, or opt for residential at $1,500. Dive into hands-on experiences, connect with peers, and delve into cutting-edge technologies with specialized two-week camps tailored for high school students passionate about science, technology, engineering, and math.

The GBRIA Educator Externship Program offers high school educators an invaluable opportunity to immerse themselves in Louisiana's thriving industrial sector. Through three days of hands-on experiences, workshops, and networking events, participants gain firsthand insights into plant operations, maintenance, and contractor companies supporting industrial facilities.

Experience the Women's Speaker Series, presented in partnership with the University of Louisiana, Lafayette, and featuring distinguished members of CGI in Lafayette, Louisiana. Throughout 2024, immerse yourself in the narratives of extraordinary women who are driving innovation across various fields. This series, themed "Innovative Women in a Challenging World," promises to inspire and empower.

Discover how Louisiana State University's Gordon A. Cain Center for STEM Literacy pioneers STEM education through the LSU STEM Pathways initiative, catering to students from kindergarten to high school. Aligned with project-based standards, the program offers certificates, credentials, and scholarships while providing dual enrollment options for high schoolers. With a focus on educator support, schools collaborating with Pathways receive financial benefits and curricular alignment, ensuring a seamless STEM learning journey from kindergarten through high school.

Louisiana State University (LSU) hosted the annual State Rally organized by the Louisiana High School Rally Association on March 23, 2024, where over 3,500 high school students competed in various academic disciplines, showcasing their talents in speech, language interpretation, and dramatic performances. The event celebrated the intellectual vibrancy of Louisiana's youth, with spirited performances and impressive displays of knowledge, culminating in the announcement of results reflecting the dedication and hard work of participants from diverse schools and backgrounds.

Woodlawn High School’s Magnet Robotics Team attended the Louisiana High School VRC State Championship at the Randolph Riverfront Center in Pineville, Louisiana on March 1st. This is the first time in Woodlawn High’s history that a team has qualified to receive an invitation to the state championship competition.

Denham Venom Robotics Team from Denham Springs High School clinched the Regional Winner title at The Magnolia Regional, securing a spot at the FIRST Robotics World Championship. Their exceptional performance, alongside alliance partners SS Prometheus and Team Combustion, highlights their innovative prowess and strategic acumen. The team's dedication, supported by Coach Daniel Eiland and mentors, underscores their rapid ascent in the competitive robotics arena. Denham Venom now focuses on the Bayou Regional while seeking community support to cover expenses for the World Championship. Major sponsors including NASA and Dow have been instrumental in their journey.

LASTEM Region 8 at Louisiana Tech University officially relaunched the Louisiana Girls Collaborative as part of their ongoing state-wide Girls in STEM emphasis. As part of this initiative, an exclusive periodical newsletter will feature resources monthly for girls in STEM across Louisiana. Please click to download the February 2024 Newsletter to learn more!

This Summer 2024, teachers have the opportunity to participate in a variety of college and career ready STEM professional development programs offered exclusively through the LSU Gordon A. Cain Center for STEM Literacy. Programs include LSU STEM Pathways Courses and Modules, Code.org® Professional Development Training, Pre-Dual Enrollment, Dual Enrollment, Companion Course, and Choice Credit. Click to download a copy of the flyer with more information.

Louisiana’s Energy Transition Engine, spearheaded by Future Use of Energy in Louisiana (FUEL), positions the state as a global energy transition leader through high-impact technology development and innovation that supports the energy industry in lowering carbon emissions. FUEL brings together a growing team of universities, community and technical colleges, state agencies, and industry and capital partners led by LSU. With $160 million in funding from the U.S. National Science Foundation to establish Louisiana’s Energy Transition Engine through the NSF Engines program—the largest and most competitive award ever provided by the agency—and an additional $67.5 million from Louisiana Economic Development, FUEL will advance our nation’s capacity for energy innovation through use-inspired research and development, workforce development, and technology commercialization.

LASTEM Region 8 at Louisiana Tech University officially relaunched the Louisiana Girls Collaborative as part of their ongoing state-wide Girls in STEM emphasis. As part of this initiative, an exclusive periodical newsletter will feature resources monthly for girls in STEM across Louisiana. Please download the inaugural January 2024 Newsletter to learn more!

Million Women Mentors is hosting a virtual celebration in honor of National Mentoring Month! Join us on Wednesday, January 17th, from 2 PM to 3 PM EST for an insightful discussion featuring prominent leaders in the field. This event is a unique opportunity to explore the significance of mentorship in personal and professional development.

During the week of December 15, 2023, both the House and Senate considered and advanced several pieces of legislation with implications for the Career Technical Education (CTE) community. Elsewhere the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) published proposed regulations that would overhaul the existing framework for registered apprenticeship programs and significantly expand the scope of these rules in relation to CTE programs funded by the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act (Perkins V).

Are you a teacher or student in grades 5-8 looking for an exciting STEM opportunity? We're thrilled to extend an invitation to your school to register teams of 3-4 students for the "You Be the Chemist" challenge, hosted this year at LSU! To register your team or teams, visit https://www.chemed.org/. The deadline to register for the challenge is December 30, 2023. If you have any questions, reach out to Nicole Foster, LSU STEM Pathways Middle and Elementary School Program Coordinator, at nfoster1@lsu.edu or 225-578-8520. We hope to see your school there!

Nell McAnelly is chair of the Great Minds PBC Board and co-director emeritus of the Gordon A. Cain Center for STEM Literacy at Louisiana State University. She served as the project director for EngageNY Math. Students in the U.S. are well behind where they should be in learning math, a problem that has huge implications for their success in school and beyond.

Computer Science Education Week (CSED Week) last week in LASTEM unfolded as a collaborative celebration of digital literacy and learning across LASTEM Regions 2, 3, 5, and 7, all made possible through the dedicated funding of the Ignite Project.

The LASTEM Advisory Council achieved a significant milestone during their 4th Quarterly Meeting on December 7, 2023. An agreement upon a definition that encapsulates the essence of STEM education sets the stage for a transformative approach to learning in Louisiana.

Dr. Frank Neubrander is the Executive Director and Chair of the Louisiana State University (LSU) Gordon A. Cain Center for STEM Literacy (Cain Center), the only triple-endowed chair in Louisiana.  Dr. Neubrander began his LSU journey in 1989 as a math professor.  His insights into grant development, leadership dynamics, and community engagement have shaped the Cain Center's trajectory over the last 20+ years. In an interview to record his experiences, Dr. Neubrander explores effective STEM leadership and the role it plays in shaping the future of STEM education.

Discover the excitement and innovation at the 10th Dow Red Stick Rumble Robotics Competition, held at Denham Springs' Hornsby Gym. This blog takes you on a journey through this inspiring event, featuring high school students from Louisiana, Texas, and Mississippi showcasing their robotic creations. Explore the world of FIRST® Robotics Competition (FRC) and how it empowers the next generation of STEM leaders. Witness the thrilling competition, meet the winning teams, and learn about the dedicated organizers and volunteers who make this event a beacon of inspiration in the world of robotics and STEM education.

Introducing the Choice Credit for College Learning model, an approach to education that offers equal opportunities for students pursuing advanced courses. This model allows students to decide whether to include LSU course credits on their transcript based on their final grade, offering flexibility and low cost.

Discover the transformative SPARK Your Summer events, hosted by the East Baton Rouge Parish Library, where Single Moms harnessed essential DIY skills. This empowering series unfolded over weeks at the River Center Library makerspace. The workshops embraced a variety of skills, from crafting birdhouses to mastering home maintenance and even delving into auto repair basics. Through these hands-on sessions, participants not only honed practical skills but also fostered a close-knit community. Single Moms found a shared space to bond and support one another, forming a robust network for ongoing encouragement.

Step into the world of innovation and learning as high school students from diverse corners of the country and even beyond come together for the Gordon A. Cain Center for STEM Literacy Summer Academy. Collaborating with LSU's Upward Bound program, this year's academy showcased 10 captivating STEM courses over two weeks.

Join us for the second annual River Parishes Community College Rougarou Rendezvous at the Westside Campus in Plaquemine (Iberville Parish) on Friday, July 21st, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

During the event, academic advisors will be available until 7:00 p.m. to assist students with enrollment and registration.

Explore the campus, learn about the exciting programs, and discover the wide range of services offered for the upcoming academic year.

Exciting Community Resources like Geaux Jobs, MJ Foster, and more will be in attendance. You can also indulge in some summertime fun with water slides and enjoy complimentary snacks. This event is free and open to the public.

Mark your calendars and bring your family and friends for an enriching and enjoyable experience. We look forward to seeing you there!

Sponsored by Dow

Discover how the Capital Area STEM Network Center (CASN) and the LSU Gordon A. Cain Center for STEM Literacy (LSU Cain Center) have secured an additional three years of funding to continue their mission of promoting STEM education and workforce opportunities in the Capital region. As part of the statewide LaSTEM ecosystem, CASN actively fosters community collaboration and delivers high-quality STEM education across seven parishes. With comprehensive partnerships and access to national best practices, CASN and the LSU Cain Center are making remarkable progress in advancing equitable STEM education. Learn more about their transformative work and the vision for a prosperous and sustainable future for Louisiana.

The Capital Area STEM Network actively engaged young minds at the STEM Summer Kick-Off event, where children explored the wonders of STEM through hands-on activities and experiments. The event aimed to inspire the next generation of scientists, technologists, engineers, and mathematicians, providing valuable resources and fostering curiosity for continued learning.

Discover the inspiring success of GEO Prep Academy's Math Club in the Noetic Learning Math Contest, where students showcased their problem-solving abilities and received national recognition. The heartfelt testimonies of the Mathletes emphasize the personal growth, joy, and academic advancement fostered by these clubs, encouraging exploration, creativity, and confidence among students.

Discover SeaPerch and learn about the history behind it. Connect with local master trainers and register for upcoming SeaPerch opportunities in and around LaSTEM Region 2.

From NATIONAL GIRLS COLLABORATIVE PROJECT: Beginning in pre-kindergarten, research has shown that subtle features of common language used by teachers (and other adults, like parents and caregivers) can interfere with – or facilitate – the development of children’s own engagement with science. If you are an educator or caregiver working with young children, consider making a few shifts in the language you use when teaching STEM. Here are 3 simple suggestions from Amanda Cardarelli, a researcher at Education Development Center (EDC) who previously spent five years working at New York University (NYU) in a cognitive developmental research lab.

Young learners in Louisiana’s Ascension Public Schools make great strides in literacy thanks in part to Elise Frederic. A first grade teacher at Lakeside Primary School in Prairieville, Frederic is a resident expert in helping to meld phonics with comprehension. Her students use mirrors to visualize new phonetic skills and write words in sand or gel as they transfer new learned sounds to writing. Literacy is visible in Frederic’s room, which includes a “sound wall” that links new sounds and mouth movements, and floor tiles covered with pictures representing reading criteria. Frederic helps each child set daily goals and pairs students strategically to address their specific needs. Her laser focus on literacy delivers in spades—in 2021-22, more than 90% of her students reached mastery on district benchmark assessments in ELA, and 70% achieved mastery in math. Colleagues have adopted many of Frederic’s literacy strategies, seeing significant growth across Lakeside’s early grades as a result.

Frederic constantly researches innovative instructional strategies, introducing concepts like The Writing Revolution to Ascension’s master teachers for field testing. She has served as a TAP mentor teacher, leads her grade-level professional learning community, contributed to district math and ELA committees and attended the Ascension Leadership Academy. Frederic is a teacher leader advisor for the Louisiana Department of Education, helming its K-2 instructional materials review team, and welcomes student teachers into her classroom. She is a resource for literacy instructional strategies in her building and district, but also beyond: Frederic created a Facebook group for Louisiana educators to discuss the science of reading, connecting hundreds of teachers who share resources and professional development opportunities.

When the pandemic closed school buildings in March 2020, Frederic created an informative video series for parents to share strategies for building fine motor skills, conducting read-alouds and helping children with phonological awareness and phonics. As classrooms reopened, Frederic focused on student well-being, holding morning meetings where students made commitments for the day and checked in on their emotions. Students had personal “calming corners” under each desk where they could regroup, and visual schedules and classroom jobs helped the young learners feel valued and part of Frederic’s classroom family. When illness or quarantine kept students home, Frederic went to great lengths to keep them connected to their peers and class routines, making each return to school an event to be celebrated.

Frederic earned a bachelor’s in elementary education (2007) and a master’s in educational leadership (2016) from Southeastern Louisiana University, as well as a master’s in education with reading specialist certification in 2010 from Louisiana State University.

First grade teacher Elise Frederic talks with the Milken Family Foundation after her surprise Milken Educator Award notification at Lakeside Primary in Louisiana's Ascension Public Schools.

Please help us in identifying young women in our region who qualify for the prestigious Emmy Noether Awards, a STEM merit-based award opportunity for qualifying female high school seniors in Louisiana and Mississippi. This award is presented annually to (3) female seniors aspiring to pursue post-graduate degrees in STEM-related fields. After completing undergraduate studies, the Gold Medalist will receive up to $75,000, and the two Silver Medalists will be awarded $25,000 each for qualified graduate-level programs (to be divided over a 3-year span). In addition to the 3 merit winners, up to 10 applicants will be invited as Emmy Noether Scholars to join a network of young female aspiring research scientists and receive information on internship and networking opportunities. An awards banquet will be held in New Orleans on April 23, 2023, at 12:30pm to honor the awardees and scholars.

CEF’s You Be The Chemist Challenge® is a collaborative, multilevel student science competition that celebrates the science of chemistry and elevates STEM careers. 5th-8th grade students are eligible to compete in teams of three (3) or four (4).

Register now: https://youbethechemist.submittable.com/submit/234489/2022-2023-challenge-registration

Baton Rouge Regional Challenge
March 11, 2023 at 9am
More information contact Victor Garcia-Lopez at vglopez@lsu.edu

Stephon Alexander will visit Baton Rouge to talk to middle and high school teachers and students about physics, music and more. Science teachers are encouraged to bring their students to the lecture on LSU’s campus on Tuesday, February 7, 2022.

The Louisiana Art & Science Museum (LASM) will host Super Science Sunday: Let’s Get Chemical as a part of the American Chemical Society 2022 Southwest Regional Meeting (SWRM 2022) on Sunday, November 6, from 2 PM – 4:30 PM. For this Super Science Sunday, visitors will explore chemistry through fun demonstrations with local scientific groups and can attend a discussion on a stratagem to prepare future scientists. Admission for the day will be free of charge for LASM’s Free First Sunday and includes all shows in the Irene W. Pennington Planetarium. 

U.S. Department of Education YOU Belong in STEM initiative

Join KidWind for this dynamic, in-person wind energy workshop in Baton Rouge on Friday, December 9, 2022 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. This engaging workshop will introduce you to teacher-approved, hands-on 4th–12 lessons and help you grow your content knowledge of the science and technology of wind energy.

You will explore wind turbine blade design, power measurement and the construction of creative wind devices. You will receive a $100 starter kit for your classroom. This workshop will prepare you for joining a regional KidWind Challenge in Louisiana with your students in February 2023.

Teachers do not need any prior knowledge. Preservice teachers are welcome. Snacks and lunch are provided. Register today!

Can’t make it to the Baton Rouge workshop? KidWind will also offer another workshop on Wednesday, January 4, 2023.

Margaret A. Davidson Coastal Career Development Program Workshop in New Orleans, LA on December 4, 2022