LaSTEM Ecosystem [Louisiana]
![LaSTEM Ecosystem [Louisiana] logo](https://stemecosystems.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/LASTEM-icon.png "LaSTEM Ecosystem [Louisiana] logo"){kind=icon}
About
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.
Goals:
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:
Goal 1: Build strong foundations for STEM literacy by ensuring that every American can master basic STEM concepts and become digitally literate.
Goal 2: Provide all Louisianans with lifelong access to high-quality STEM education.
Goal 3: Prepare the STEM workforce for the future.
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.
Key Programs
LaSTEM focuses on advancing STEM education through a comprehensive, statewide approach that integrates scientific, technological, engineering, and mathematical concepts. Its initiatives emphasizes hands-on, experiential learning to cultivate critical thinking, analysis, and collaboration skills, preparing students for real-world challenges and careers. LaSTEM’s network of nine regional STEM centers works collaboratively to expand access to STEM education, promote equity and inclusion, and foster a strong STEM workforce by bridging opportunity across Louisiana.
Statewide Impact
Regional/Statewide competitions: Robotics (FIRST, VEX, SeaPerch), Drones, and eSports
Environmental Resilience Initiatives: Urban Ecology Camp, Waters to Sea, Chefs on Boats, Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection, and Restoration (CWPPRA)
Workforce and Upskilling
Industry Connections: WISE Women in STEM, Chemistry Road Show, Touch a Truck
Classroom Support Programs: Code.org, Engineering is Elementary
Community STEM
Outreach Programs: Mobile STEM Labs (Brain Food Truck) and Recipe for Rural STEM
Summer Camps: NASA AstroCamp, Shell Energy, Consumer Energy Education Foundation (CEEF) AI Energy, and Urban Ecology
Field Trips: Sci-Port Discovery Center and CWPPRA Virtual Field Trips
Additional Info
LASTEM Ecosystem
The LASTEM network is a system of nine Regional STEM Centers (RSCs) strategically positioned across Louisiana whose goal is to connect education and workforce opportunities in their regions and throughout the state. GNOrocs; Capital Area STEM Network Center; Bayou STEM; Region 4 STEM Network Center (R4SNC); Calcasieu Parish School Board (in partnership with McNeese State); CENLA STEM; NWLA LaSTEM Innovation Center; STEM Collective for Innovative Louisiana Stakeholders (SCILS); Southeastern Northshore STEM Center.
Contact
Dr. Clint Coleman
LASTEM and Cybersecurity Program Administrator
Clint.Coleman@laregents.edu
Contact LaSTEM
lastem@laregents.edu
