Southern University
Now in its third year, the Carbon STEM Camp is a key component of Southern’s monthlong STEMX Summer Program, hosted by the College of Sciences and Engineering to expand access to high-quality STEM education for students in grades 6–12. The camp is presented in partnership with ExxonMobil and Rice University’s Tapia Center, blending academic rigor with hands-on engagement and real-world career exposure to inspire the next generation of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) leaders.
The camp builds on months of preparation and collaboration among ExxonMobil, the Tapia Center and Southern, whose educators participated in professional development earlier this year to teach the curriculum during camp. Students participated in a variety of interactive activities and industry-led experiences including hands-on STEM activities focused on managing carbon dioxide (CO2) and how doing so may play a vital role in building a lower-carbon future. ExxonMobil Pipeline Company led an engaging presentation on CCS, complete with dry ice demonstrations to simulate carbon behavior. A full-day field trip exposed students to industry-based STEM applications, including a tour of the Baton Rouge Coca-Cola Bottling Co., a visit to LSU’s Petroleum Engineering Research Training & Testing (PERTT) Lab, an industry discussion with CF Industries and live demonstrations by ExxonMobil Machine Shop employees showcasing skilled craft careers in electrical, instrumentation, millwright, pipefitting and welding at Baton Rouge Community College. Honeywell Baton Rouge Plant Manager Rafael Gonzalez also spoke with students, sharing his personal STEM journey and highlighting how Honeywell’s technologies impact everyday life.
Students also benefit from direct interaction with STEM professionals who offered insight, inspiration and mentorship. Throughout the week, ExxonMobil employees volunteered their time to engage with campers, sharing personal career journeys and answering questions about opportunities in energy and engineering. In addition to ExxonMobil, students connected with elected government officials and leaders from prominent industry and advocacy organizations, including Marc Ehrhardt, Executive Director of the Grow Louisiana Coalition; Mike Moncla, President of the Louisiana Oil and Gas Association (LOGA); Representatives from the office of U.S. Congressmen Cleo Fields; and Louisiana State Representative Vanessa Caston LaFleur, all of whom encouraged students to see themselves as the future of STEM in Louisiana.
Learn About the Carbon Capture and Storage Project