STEM Fest Lafayette Was A Launchpad for Future Innovators, Creators, Makers and Entrepreneurs

On Saturday, October 19th, we KICKED OFF STEM Lafayette with support from LEDA and 42 volunteers!

On Saturday, October 19, 2024, Lafayette celebrated the inaugural STEM Fest, an exciting hands-on event designed to inspire students in grades K-12. Presented by the Lafayette Economic Development Authority (LEDA) and executed by STEM Global Action, this dynamic event welcomed 638 enthusiastic participants to explore over 60 interactive STEM activities, igniting their curiosity and creativity.

The mission of STEM Lafayette and STEM Global Action is to expose, engage, and inspire future innovators, creators, makers, and entrepreneurs through STEM-based activities and opportunities in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. At the George Dupuis Recreation Center, students immersed themselves in engaging experiments and projects that showcased the wonders of STEM. With 596 students pre-registering and 42 signing up on-site, the diverse group reflected a mix of 56% boys and 44% girls from 134 different schools. Notably, 83% of participants came from families qualifying for free or reduced lunch, highlighting the event’s commitment to accessibility and inclusion in STEM education.

Volunteers played a crucial role in the event’s success, with 36 college students and 6 professional mentors dedicating a total of 126 mentor hours to guide and inspire the young minds present. This collaborative effort underscores the importance of community support in fostering the next generation of innovators and leaders in STEM fields. The day was filled with exploration, as students participated in various hands-on activities that challenged their problem-solving skills and encouraged them to think creatively and innovatively.

This event would not have been possible without sponsorship from the Lafayette Economic Development Authority (LEDA). THANK YOU!

The president and CEO of Lafayette Economic Development Authority (LEDA) , Mandi Mitchell, CEcD, addressed the participants before the activities. She emphasized the importance of STEM education for workforce and economic development.

STEM Fest Lafayette marks an important step in promoting STEM education in the Lafayette community, inspiring the next generation to embrace their potential as innovators and leaders. Together, with the support of LEDA and committed volunteers, we are igniting a passion for STEM that will last a lifetime.

STEM Fest Lafayette VIP's

Thanks again to U.S. Senator Gerald Boudreaux, Mandi Mitchell, President & CEO, Lafayette Economic Development Authority (LEDA), and Francis Touchet, Jr., Superintendent, and Heather Olson, Math Specialist, Lafayette Parish School System, for your participation and support throughout this wonderful event.?

Special Thanks for our STEM Fest Lafayette Volunteers...

Key Highlights from the Event:

• Diverse Participation: The participants included 56% male and 44% female students, with 34% in grades K-2, 35% in grades 3-5, 23% in grades 6-8, and 8% in grades 9-12.
• Dedicated Volunteers: The success of STEM Fest was bolstered by the commitment of 36 college student volunteers and 6 STEM professionals to inspire the next generation of innovators, creators, makers and entrepreneurs.
• Community Engagement: Sponsored by the Lafayette Economic Development Authority (LEDA), the event showcased the community's dedication to fostering a love for STEM among youth.

A Bright Future for STEM in Lafayette

STEM Lafayette and STEM Global Action aim to expose and inspire young minds through STEM-based activities and opportunities. Since its inception in 2013 by Founders Dr. Calvin Mackie and his wife Tracy Mackie , STEM NOLA | STEM Global Action has engaged over 160,000 participants across the U.S. in interactive STEM learning.

As we look forward to future events, let’s continue to nurture the next generation of engineers, scientists, healthcare professionals and innovators in Lafayette. Together, we can expose, engage and inspire our youth to embrace the wonders of STEM!