Oakdale, LA – Monday, June 30, 2025
SOWELA Technical Community College, in collaboration with ExxonMobil, Allen Parish School Board, and Rice University’s Tapia Center, hosted a successful STEM Energy Professional Development Program Showcase on Friday, June 27, 2025, at SOWELA’s Oakdale site. The event highlighted cutting-edge energy-themed research projects developed by 40 Southwest Louisiana elementary, middle and high school educators across all disciplines. It was the culmination of an intensive four-day training program.
Educators presented innovative classroom plans focused on alternative energy during the two-hour showcase. The projects emphasized hands-on learning and real-world applications to better prepare students for future careers in STEM and energy industries.
“Usually in professional development, you are presented with a skill; however, with the STEM Energy Professional Development program, it was very hands on, and lesson plans are developed and ready to go. If I want to teach this on my first day of school, I can,” said participant and Fairview High School Teacher Heather Cross.
Educators leave the training with custom lesson plans, strengthened teaching and leadership skills, and a wider professional network.
The STEM Energy Professional Development Program was made possible through a $100,000 grant from Future Use of Energy in Louisiana (FUEL). FUEL is a collaborative initiative bringing together universities, community and technical colleges, state agencies, industry partners and capital investors. With $160 million in funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF) through the NSF Engines program, the largest and most competitive award ever given by the agency, and an additional $67.5 million from the Louisiana Economic Development, FUEL’s mission is to drive the state’s energy innovation forward.
About SOWELA Technical Community College
SOWELA Technical Community College offers dynamic instruction and practical learning opportunities that prepare students to seamlessly transfer or to excel in today’s workforce. For more information, visit www.sowela.edu.