STEM NOLA | STEM Global Action January/February 2025 Newsletter

Exposing, engaging & inspiring 2,774 future STEM leaders over 3 states & 4 cities

In January/February 2025, STEM NOLA | STEM Global Action engaged more than 4,000 children, parents and volunteers including 2,774 K-12 students through hands-on STEM Fests, STEM Saturdays, and a received the prestigious Presidential Award of Excellence.

Thank You to Our Partners and Sponsors!

We are grateful for the generous support of our partners and sponsors, including the New Orleans Super Bowl Host Committee, Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation, Chevron, Dow, Boeing, Ochsner Health, Entergy, Venture Global LNG, the Scratch Foundation, Clemson University, Inspire NOLA, Integer Technologies LLC, Benedict College, City of New Orleans, New Orleans City Council, NORD, Galatoire's Foundation and others. Their commitment to STEM education makes it possible for us to break down barriers and inspire the next generation of innovators, creators, and problem solvers.

STEM NOLA Hosts Bridge 2 Innovation (B2I) STEM Fest in St. Charles Parish

STEM NOLA launched the second Bridge 2 Innovation (B2I) STEM Fest on January 4, 2025, in St. Charles Parish, engaging over 350 K-12 students from 110 schools in 60+ hands-on STEM activities. Presented by the New Orleans Super Bowl Host Committee, 64% of attendees were eligible for free or reduced lunch. 33 volunteer (16 college students and 17 professionals) provided 99 mentor hours. The event was sponsored by Chevron, Dow, Ochsner Health, the Scratch Foundation, Venture Global LNG, and Entergy.

FIRST STEM Fest EVER hosted in Jefferson Parish!

STEM NOLA & the New Orleans Super Bowl Host Committee presented this historic 3rd B2I STEM Fest at Bonnabel High School

STEM NOLA’s third Bridge 2 Innovation (B2I) STEM Fest presented by the New Orleans Super Bowl Host Committee took place at Bonnabel High School in Jefferson Parish. This STEM Fest marked a historic milestone for STEM NOLA – the first one in Jefferson Parish. STEM NOLA engaged 542 K-12 students from 143 schools. More than 70% qualified for the free or reduced lunch program. 84 volunteers (62 college volunteers and 22 professionals) provided 252 mentor hours. The event was sponsored by Chevron, Dow, Ochsner Health, the Scratch Foundation, Venture Global LNG, and Entergy.

STEM NOLA Receives the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring (PAESMEM)

In January 2025, President Joe Biden honored STEM NOLA with the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring (PAESMEM). This prestigious award recognized STEM NOLA’s long-standing commitment to mentoring K-12 students from underrepresented groups and breaking down barriers in STEM education and fostering the next generation of innovators, creators, makers and entrepreneurs.

STEM NOLA on Live TV – WVUE-TV Fox 8

On January 10, 2025, one of our STEM Fellows appeared on live television on WVUE-TV Fox 8. Jacob Lowe, a STEM Fellow and 9th grader from the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts (NOCCA), showcased his passion for STEM alongside Jakara Bachus, STEM NOLA STEM Fellows Manager, with a fun lava lamp activity demonstrating chemical reaction and buoyancy. The segment was hosted by Rob Krieger. An average of 65,000 viewers watch STEM NOLA’s segments every-other-Friday on WVUE-TV.

STEM NOLA on WGNO-TV ABC-26

On January 16, 2025, Dr. Calvin Mackie, co-founder and CEO of STEM NOLA | STEM Global Action, participated in an in-depth television interview and segment with host LBJ of WGNO-TV ABC-26!

Dr. Mackie shared exciting updates on STEM NOLA's Presidential Award for Excellence, our mission, and the upcoming B2I STEM Fest on Saturday, January 18th at Bonnabel High School — the FIRST STEM Fest in Jefferson Parish!

STEM South Carolina – Circuits & Electricity STEM Saturday

On January 25, STEM South Carolina hosted a dynamic “Circuits & Electricity” STEM Saturday at Airport High School in West Columbia, engaging 158 K-12 students from 91 schools, 60% of whom qualify for free or reduced lunch. With support from 44 volunteers contributing 157.5 mentor hours, students built traffic lights, city grids, and flashlights, gaining hands-on experience in electrical circuits. Sponsored by Clemson University, Integer Technologies LLC, and Benedict College, this event sparked curiosity and empowered future innovators!

STEM Baton Rouge – The Physics of Sound STEM Saturday

STEM Baton Rouge engaged 140 K-12^th graders from 69 schools for a “Physics of Sound” STEM Saturday, January 25, 2025. 74% of registrants qualified for the free or reduced lunch program. Participants engaged in hands-on STEM activities exploring sound waves and acoustics. They built their own musical instruments, such as guitars and Bluetooth speakers, and learned how sound interacts with materials. This interactive event gave students a fun, hands-on way to understand the science behind sound, engineering, and technology. 29 volunteers (28 college students and 1 professional) provided 101.5 mentor hours.

Inspire Charter Schools' STEM Saturday engages 114 kids from 64 schools

On Saturday, January 25, 2025, at Pierre A. Capdau S.T.E.A.M. School in New Orleans, 114 students from 64 schools raced into STEM, building their own race cars and exploring the science of "Force & Motion". With the support of 32 dedicated volunteers contributing 64 hours of mentorship, K-12th graders experienced hands-on learning at this Inspire Charter Schools' STEM Saturday executed by STEM NOLA.

B2I STEM Fest in NOLA engaged 370 kids from 166 schools

On February 1, 370 students from 166 schools across New Orleans explored the exciting worlds of technology, healthcare, and engineering at the Bridge 2 Innovation (B2I) STEM Fest, hosted by STEM NOLA! With over 60 hands-on STEM activities and guidance from mentors and volunteers, students engaged in dynamic learning experiences that sparked curiosity and innovation. A huge thank you to our sponsors—the New Orleans Super Bowl Host Committee, Chevron, Dow, Ochsner Health, Entergy!

STEM NOLA Hosts Art & STEM of Mardi Gras STEM Saturday

On February 15, 2025, STEM NOLA's "Art & STEM of Mardi Gras" STEM Saturday engaged 250+ K-12 students, parents, and volunteers at the Andrew P. Sanchez Center. Sponsored by the New Orleans Tourism and Cultural Fund (NOTCF), STEM Saturday featured hands-on activities like building Mardi Gras floats and exploring the science behind decorations. Students applied engineering principles and learned about circuits, with 25+ volunteers providing mentorship. Supported by a $25,000 NOTCF sponsorship, the "Art & STEM of Mardi Gras" inspired students to see themselves as creators and innovators in the Mardi Gras tradition.

STEM Greater Houston Hosts Inaugural STEM Fest

On February 22, 2025, STEM Greater Houston hosted its first STEM Fest at the MI3 Center, engaging 600+ attendees, including 408 K-12 students from 183 schools. The event featured 60+ interactive stations and 51 volunteers, providing 153 mentor hours. 57% of participants qualified for free or reduced lunch, showcasing the event’s commitment to equity. Supported by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and the ASME Foundation, STEM Fest offered free admission, inspiring future leaders.

Assistant Secretary of U.S. Department of Homeland Security visits STEM NOLA

On February 6th, Scott G. Erickson, Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Office of Partnership and Engagement, visited STEM NOLA. He and his team met with STEM NOLA | STEM Global Action senior leadership to discuss our efforts in empowering the next generation of innovators. Following the meeting, they toured the New Orleans East facility, learning about our hands-on STEM programs. Over the past year, we've partnered with the U.S. Coast Guard to engage communities in STEM and introduce STEM opportunities within the USCG.

Louisiana Speaker of The House visits STEM NOLA

On February 6, 2025, STEM NOLA hosted Representative Phillip R. DeVillier, Speaker of the Louisiana House of Representatives, along with Rep. Matt Willard, CSM, and Rep. Jason Hughes. Speaker DeVillier met with Dr. Calvin Mackie and the STEM NOLA | STEM Global Action leadership team to discuss how we’re empowering Louisiana’s next generation of STEM leaders. During his visit, he toured our New Orleans East facility, gaining insight into how we inspire future innovators through hands-on STEM engagement.

Players Coalition STEM Fest engages 1,200+ K-8th graders

STEM NOLA teamed up with the Players Coalition to showcase the future of innovation at the Players Coalition STEM Fest on February 9, 2025, at Arthur Ashe Charter School in New Orleans! More than 1,200 K-8 students engaged in over 60 hands-on STEM activities, guided by the dedicated STEM NOLA team and volunteers from across the Greater New Orleans area. Thanks to the support of the Scratch Foundation, this event provided an unforgettable opportunity to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and problem-solvers. 

STEM NOLA honored as Table Partner at Galatoire's Mardi Gras Table Action

Mardi Gras is about more than celebrations—it’s about giving back! On February 3, 2025, Galatoire’s Mardi Gras Table Auction raised vital funds for local nonprofits, including STEM NOLA. As a table partner alongside Volunteers of America Southeast Louisiana, we’re grateful for the support that fuels our mission to inspire youth through STEM. Special thanks to the Galatoire Foundation and generous bidders for helping us build a brighter future!

531 7th & 8th graders engaged at YouthForce NOLA/Junior Achievement of Greater New Orleans STEM Fest

On February 19, 2025, New Orleans' Joe Brown Park was buzzing with excitement as 531 7th and 8th graders from local schools joined the STEM Fest, presented by YouthForce NOLA and Junior Achievement of Greater New Orleans, Inc., and executed by STEM NOLA with support from Entergy and dedicated volunteers. Students from Elan Academy, Renew Schaumburg, Bricolage Academy, and Homer Plessy Community School explored hands-on STEM activities.

Stay tuned for more exciting updates, and thank you for being a part of the STEM NOLA | STEM Global Action community!

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