INTRODUCING THE NEW CAPITAL AREA STEM NETWORK CENTER VISTA!

The Capital Area STEM Network Center (LASTEM Region 2) has partnered with the Northshore Regional STEM Center (LASTEM Region 9) for Louisiana STEM Expansion Project, an AmeriCorps VISTA project. AmeriCorps VISTA is a national service program in the United States focused on reducing poverty by placing volunteers in organizations to bolster their capabilities and create lasting solutions in low-income communities. The goal of the Louisiana statewide project is to utilize STEM education to empower underserved communities, providing equal access to quality learning, fostering innovation, and enabling economic self-sufficiency to alleviate poverty.

Dr. Anthony Cochran is an experimental physicist, entrepreneur, and STEM advocate. His diverse work has included significant contributions in high-energy and sub-nuclear physics, nano-biotechnology, and atmospheric chemical kinetics. 

APPLY FOR A FREE VIRTUAL REALITY SPACE LAB

NASA is funding the hardware, software, and training (including a teacher stipend) for 50 Space Team lab sites in Louisiana, Texas, and New Mexico, furthermore funding an additional 50 sites that already have hardware but need software and training. Each lab site must be located at a school, museum, library, nonprofit, university partner, or other facility that targets middle and high school-aged youth. In a Space Team Lab, students engage in space mission design and simulation using virtual reality hardware and software. 

START YOUR OWN COMMUNITY FRC TEAM WITH GRANT SUPPORT

The 2024 FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) season offers an excellent chance for aspiring robotics teams. Generous grants are now available, covering not only registration expenses but also providing operational funds and second-year grants for rookie teams.

This is a funding opportunity exclusively available to FIRST Robotics Competition Rookie Teams and New Veteran Teams participating in the 2024 season. Awarded teams will receive $6,000 in grants spread over the course of 2 consecutive seasons. Applications must be submitted no later than Monday, October 30, 2023.   

Teams can operate at various places like STEM centers, libraries, YMCA facilities, community centers, local companies, tech or trade schools, colleges, and community colleges. Students from feeder schools frequently join as team members, ensuring a smooth educational transition. College students and faculty (such as LSU’s Society of Peer Mentors) can guide and coach the team, while industries associated with these institutions can serve as mentors and sponsors, establishing a strong support network.

Important Dates for 2024

Jan 6: Robot build season officially begins with live-streamed season kickoff

Mar 14–16: The Magnolia Regional FRC — Laurel, MS

Apr 3–6: The Bayou Regional FRC — Kenner, LA

Seize this grant, initiate your FRC team, and embark on an exciting robotics journey! For assistance and information, contact Carolyn Arthurs, Regional Director for FIRST Robotics Competition in Louisiana & Mississippi, at carthurs@firstinspires.org or 504-451-0088.

LOCAL ROBOTICS MENTOR OPPORTUNITY

The Society of Peer Mentors (SPM) is a student organization at LSU that focuses on mentoring and leadership for the College of Engineering with a specific focus on K–12 STEM outreach. The SPM has undergraduate students who are ready to serve as robotics mentors for your VEX or FIRST robotics teams at any grade level. Mentors are available on a first come, first served basis, so request a mentor for your robotics team today using the following interest form.

REGISTER FOR GIRLS IN STEM AT TULANE (GiST)

Saturday, November 4, 2023 
8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Tulane University - Boggs Center for Energy and Biotechnology

Are you in 5th–7th grade? If so, be a Girl in STEM at Tulane! Tulane University’s GiST Program offers fifth through seventh-grade girls the chance to interact with and learn from women role models in STEM fields. Tulane faculty and student teams create and provide workshops that inspire and empower girls to explore, investigate, and make discoveries in a supportive setting. Tulane University’s goal is to actively introduce young students to STEM careers by nurturing creativity, enhancing self-esteem, and increasing awareness of the exciting opportunities awaiting them.

GET A TASTE OF YOUR FUTURE IN SPACE — ENTER TODAY

Attention Graduate and Undergraduate Students: The annual Student CanSat Competition, organized by the American Astronautical Society (AAS) in partnership with the Naval Research Laboratory, is here!

This challenge invites teams of undergraduate and graduate students to design, build, and launch a payload for a specific mission. Aim for top scores and compete globally.

After a preliminary design review, the top 40 teams earn invites to the June launch weekend. Launch your payloads, assess performance, and vie for top spots.

Crafted by expert engineers, this contest simulates satellite development, from concept to flight. It includes rigorous testing, evaluation, and expert feedback, offering invaluable learning.

Beyond the thrill, CanSat Competition boosts your resume. Hosted by AAS and the Naval Research Lab, it's an internationally recognized test of aerospace education.

Experience real-world satellite design and elevate your aerospace journey. Join the CanSat Competition. Apply by November 3, 2023. Fly in June 2024.

JOBS, MENTORSHIP, AND COMMUNITY FOR BLACK UNDERGRADS SEEKING AEROSPACE CAREERS

Applications are open through October 15th for the Patti Grace Smith Fellowship (PGSF) — a program that matches Black and African American community college and undergraduate students with an interest in a career in the aerospace industry with paid internships, mentorship, and a cash grant to assist with getting started in the industry. PGSF is a spin-off of the illustrious Brooke Owens Fellowship Program and aims to make an impact on racial equity and inclusion in the aerospace industry. 

UNLEASH YOUR CREATIVITY AND INNOVATIVE THINKING

Capital Area STEM, in partnership with Quota Baton Rouge, encourages students in grades 6–12 to participate in the 2024 National STEM Challenge and Festival. Presented by EXPLR, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Education, the 2024 National STEM Festival, set for April 12–13 in Washington, D.C., will celebrate the nationwide Challenge to foster creativity, critical thinking and passion for STEM among middle and high school students.

With a concentration on engaging students historically underrepresented in STEM, the STEM Challenge asks students to develop projects that make a tangible real-world impact and create positive change for people and the planet.

Students may submit entries in six categories:

• Environmental Stewardship
• Future Food
• Health and Medicine
• Powering the Planet
• Space Innovation
• Tech for Good

Student submissions will be accepted until November 12, 2023. All National STEM Champions, selected for their outstanding projects, will be invited to the National STEM Festival in April 2024, and travel and accommodations will be provided, thanks to our partnership with the U.S. Department of Education.

PARTICIPATE IN TEACHER WORKSHOPS DURING GiST

Saturday, November 4, 2023 
8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Tulane University - Boggs Center for Energy and Biotechnology

Shell and The Joe W. and Dorothy Dorsett Brown Foundation generously provide opportunities for teachers to attend three distinct workshops at each event, aligned with Louisiana Science Standards, for FREE!

Participating teachers will actively engage in workshops, gaining hands-on experience and discussing ways to incorporate these activities and aligned standards into their classrooms. As an additional benefit, teachers will receive a $100 stipend, curricula ideas that align with the standards, and necessary supplies to implement these activities in their schools. Priority is given to teachers from schools where the majority of students receive free or reduced-price lunches.

FOSTER THE POTENTIAL OF THE FUTURE SPACE WORKFORCE

School Administrators and Faculty — we need your help in fostering the potential of the future space workforce. Here is how you can get involved:

• Support a Team: Provide financial and other support to a specific school through funding, equipment, and leadership.
• Sponsor the Event: Support the overall competition while aligning your organization with the next generation of aerospace leaders.
• Volunteer: Event organizers are always looking for assistance in planning, running, and judging the competition. Related skills can help but are not required!

ATTEND THE FREE LASTEM SUMMIT!

Join us on Tuesday, October 17, 2023, at the CAJUNDOME and Convention Center in Lafayette, Louisiana, for the annual LASTEM Summit. Be part of our passionate STEM community dedicated to nurturing talented minds in our state. The Summit features inspiring speakers, workshops, and cutting-edge demonstrations. Get ready to be energized, inspired, and ready to take on the world! Don't miss out on this free opportunity. We look forward to seeing you there!

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