NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State University’s School of STEM is the recipient of a $5,000 contribution from Southwestern Electric Power Company (SWEPCO) through the SWEPCO Foundation that will fund STEM outreach initiatives.
“We are excited to partner with SWEPCO and the SWEPCO Foundation to expand hands-on STEM learning opportunities across our region,” said Dr. Chris Lyles, director of NSU’s School of STEM. “Our shared commitment ensures students are prepared for future careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.”
The funds will support STEM outreach, including a regional N-Side STEM Day for high school juniors and seniors and seniors and purchasing reusable STEM “edutainment” kits for future events.
“This investment expands access to engaging, hands-on science and engineering activities that spark curiosity, creativity and career interest while strengthening STEM literacy and workforce readiness across north Louisiana,” Lyles said.
“SWEPCO is proud to support Northwestern State University’s School of STEM in its mission to inspire the next generation of innovators,” said Michael Corbin, SWEPCO external affairs manager. “By investing in hands-on learning experiences, we’re helping students develop the knowledge and curiosity that will fuel lifelong learning and discovery.”
The SWEPCO Foundation focuses on improving lives through education from early childhood through higher education in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math and by meeting basic needs for emergency shelter, affordable housing and the elimination of hunger. The SWEPCO Foundation is funded by American Electric Power (AEP) and its operating subsidiaries, including SWEPCO.
N-Side STEM Day is set for Saturday, Feb. 7. Eleventh and 12th grade students will be able to explore high-demand career pathways in biomedical/microbiology, computer science, sports analytics, engineering, manufacturing, veterinary science, wildlife and environmental sciences, drones, chemistry, physics, forensics and more. Registration is available at https://nsu.la/N-SideSTEM.
Information on NSU’s School of STEM is available at https://www.nsula.edu/academics/colleges-and-schools/school-of-stem/.