LASTEM Advisory Council

During the 2017 legislative session, the legislature approved ACT 392 to create the Louisiana Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (LASTEM) Advisory Council. Under the leadership of the Louisiana Board of Regents, the LASTEM Advisory Council shall:

      • Create and provide with respect to the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Education Fund,
      • Provide for a science, technology, engineering, and mathematics high school diploma endorsement, and
      • Provide for related matters.

KEY PROGRAMS   REGIONAL CENTER RFA   ANNUAL LASTEM SUMMIT   DEFINING STEM   CONTACT LASTEM

Advisory Council Meetings

2024 Quarterly Meetings

  • February 22, 2024 –Agenda | Minutes (pending approval) | Presentation
  • May 2, 2024, location TBD

2023 Quarterly Meetings

2022 Quarterly Meetings

2021 Quarterly Meetings

2020 Quarterly Meetings

2019 Quarterly Meetings

2018 Monthly Meetings

2017 Monthly Meetings

Regional STEM Center Network

The Louisiana Regional STEM Center Network is a system of STEM leadership entities strategically positioned across Louisiana, similar to the Regional Labor Market Areas (RLMAs) identified by the Louisiana Workforce Commission, whereby communities, parishes, multi-parish regions, and the State can achieve improved access to STEM education, participation, and advancement. This includes closing the opportunity gap for underrepresented and underserved populations to engage in Louisiana’s STEM workforce and economy.  Existing and developing STEM activities will often span one or more STEM Regions. Regions will share information, work together, and be interconnected by coordinating resources, which can also provide a gateway to other networks and initiatives. The Regional STEM Networks and Centers are connected with and serve the statewide LASTEM Advisory Council.

View the Regional Network

Annual Reports

2018 LASTEM Status Report

2019 LASTEM Status Report

2020 LASTEM Status Report

2021 LASTEM Status Report

2022 LASTEM Status Report

2023 LASTEM Status Report

2024 LASTEM Status Report

Educator Resources

Nepris for Classrooms

Nepris for Classrooms

Over 26 million jobs in the US require a high level of knowledge in at least one STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) field. Expose your students to careers by providing them an opportunity to speak live with professionals who apply STEM concepts in their everyday careers. Nepris virtual connections help students make more informed decisions about college and careers. Whether it’s a civil engineer, a surgeon, or an app developer, Nepris brings professionals to your classroom via video conference, making STEM content come to life so that every day can be a career day! Louisiana teachers have hosted over 750 live interactions to date – join your fellow teachers in making connections that last a lifetime.

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GNO STEM

GNO STEM

GNO STEM provides K-12 math and science teachers with the tools and resources they need to deliver hands-on, minds-on learning opportunities in the classroom. GNO STEM’s teacher professional development programs ensure that students receive the rigorous and enriched classroom instruction they need to encourage critical thinking and ultimately foster student proficiency and interest in STEM subjects and careers.

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Project Lead The Way (PLTW)

Project Lead The Way

Project Lead The Way provides transformative learning experiences for K-12 students and teachers across the U.S. We create an engaging, hands-on classroom environment and empower students to develop in-demand knowledge and skills they need to thrive. We also provide teachers with the training, resources, and support they need to engage students in real-world learning. Project Lead The Way provides transformative learning experiences for K-12 students and teachers across the U.S. We create an engaging, hands-on classroom environment and empower students to develop in-demand knowledge and skills they need to thrive. We also provide teachers with the training, resources, and support they need to engage students in real-world learning. PLTW Launch (K-5), PLTW Gateway (6-8), PLTW Computer Science (9-12), PLTW Engineering (9-12), PLTW Biomedical Science (9-12). Project Lead The Way (PLTW) currently partners with 80 schools across 20 Parishes in Louisiana to implement 5 comprehensive STEM programs for students in grades K-12. These programs include K-12 pathways in Engineering, Computer Science, and Biomedical Science.

MORE INFO

Student Resources

Sponsored STEM Programs

Advisory Council Members

MemberTitle/Affiliation
Dr. Kim Hunter ReedCommissioner of Higher Education, Louisiana Board of Regents
Senator Sharon HewittAuthor of Act 392, Louisiana State Senate
Dr. Clint ColemanLASTEM and Cybersecurity Program Administrator
Dr. Francesca Mellieon-WilliamsAssociate Professor of Science and Mathematics Education, Southern University and A&M College
Larry CarterPresident, United Teachers of New Orleans
Jamie MixonLouisiana Department of Education Representative
Dr. Bianca DelibertoLouisiana Science Teachers Association Representative
Emily DiPalmaLouisiana Workforce Commission Representative
Dr. Frank NeubranderLouisiana State University System Representative
Camille Ivy-O'Donnell BentinLouisiana Association of Business and Industry Representative
Dr. Patty GlaserLouisiana Association of Public Charter Schools Representative
Crystal Williams GordonLouisiana Association of Educators Representative, East Baton Rouge Public Schools
Rick GallotPresident, University of Louisiana System
Representative Vincent “Vinney” St. Blanc, IIILouisiana House of Representatives
Melissa MannSecretary of the Department of Economic Development Representative
Ronnie MorrisMember, Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE)
Dr. Calvin MackieGovernor Appointee
Kaneisha Bailey AkinpelumiLouisiana Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (LAICU) Representative, Xavier University of Louisiana
Christen TimminsPresident, Louisiana Association of Teachers of Mathematics (LATM)
Robin CosenzaLouisiana School Boards Association Representative
Paul J. HeltonLouisiana Economic Development Representative, LED FastStart
Taya LoupeLouisiana Association of Principals Representative
Dr. Lealon MartinDean of the College of Sciences and Engineering, Southern University and A&M College
Dr. Wendi PalermoLouisiana Community & Technical College System Representative
Tina WattsCommunity Investor, Boeing Global Engagement
Dr. Jaimee McCullen WilliamsGovernor Appointee
Tom YuraVice President of Operations, Mitsubishi Chemical America, Inc.
David St. EtienneWorkforce Investment Council (WIC) Representative
Dr. David LafargueExecutive Director for Workforce Solution, SOWELA Technical Community College
Dr. Lindsey Keith-VincentAssociate Dean of Research, Outreach and Innovation, College of Education, Louisiana Tech University

Regional STEM Centers

Region
Awarding Institution
Center Name
Center Director
Email
Region 1
Greater New Orleans, Inc. (GNO, Inc.)
Daphine Barnes
Region 2
Louisiana State University
Summer Dann
Region 3
Fletcher Technical Community College
Christie Landry
Region 4
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Angela Boxie
Region 5
Calcasieu Parish School Board
Mark Arseneault
Region 6
Northwestern State University
Jennifer DePriest
Region 7
Sci-Port Discovery Center
Dr. Heather Kleiner
Region 8
Louisiana Tech University
Cathi Cox-Boniol
Region 9
Southeastern Louisiana University
Wendy Conarro

The Master Plan

To move Louisiana aggressively forward, the Board of Regents has embraced a robust new attainment goal that calls for 60% of all working-age adults (ages 25-64) in Louisiana to hold a degree or high-value credential by 2030. As we stand on the brink of a new decade, this Master Plan, born of the Board of Regents’ unique charge to guide postsecondary education across the state, will set the foundation to increase opportunity.  Our Talent Imperative is to Educate, Innovate, and Collaborate.

Master Plan for Higher Education