NEW ORLEANS, La. – Representatives from Air Products in Louisiana presented a $260,000 donation from the Air Products Foundation to the Southeastern Louisiana University Foundation to expand its STEM Scholar Program for the 2024-2025 academic school year from 30 high school students to 100 Scholars. The check presentation occurred at the University of Louisiana System’s Black Male Summit in New Orleans on Tuesday, June 18.
The Southeastern STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Scholars program will enroll 100 high school students from Livingston, St. John the Baptist, and Tangipahoa parishes during the 2024-25 academic year to spark an interest in science for young people. The STEM Scholars will learn about science and then share what they have learned through participation in science fairs, STEM festivals and conferences. Each STEM Scholar will make a presentation to their science class at the end of the year.
“Sparking a young person’s interest in science and technology is an investment in their future and the future of our communities and businesses, which is why we are so excited to support this program. The work Southeastern Louisiana University is doing to promote science education in Louisiana will pay future dividends in many ways,” said Danna Leblanc, Commercial Executive Director of Air Products’ Louisiana Clean Energy Complex. “At Air Products, we are excited about our growing manufacturing footprint in Louisiana and we are committed to having an inclusive local workforce. It is our hope that by ensuring everyone has access to STEM education and opportunities, we can keep even more of our young people here in Louisiana with good paying, fulfilling jobs in engineering and other science fields.”
"The Southeastern STEM Scholars program is a proven model fueling student success in high demand occupations,” said Dr. William S. Wainwright, President of Southeastern Louisiana University. “This timely investment will allow Southeastern to scale the STEM Scholars program therefore expanding access to surrounding parishes of Southeastern Louisiana. This market responsive program is a testament to the real time alignment of the university mission with key industry sectors which strengthens our regional economy."
