Three Local Schools Represented by STEM Fellows
New Orleans, LA – STEM NOLA is thrilled to announce the outstanding achievement of three STEM Fellows who have advanced to the final round of the National STEM Challenge. The exceptional projects that secured their advancement are as follows:
- Alongkorn LaFarge – 8th Grade – Langston Hughes Academy – Project: DeSalination Co. (addressing the saltwater wedge issue in our region)
- Jayden Hall – 12th Grade – Brother Martin High School – Project: Therosole Effect (combatting flat feet)
- Naya Ellis – 9th Grade – John F. Kennedy High School – Project: Wing Itt (a stroke detector)
These young innovators are showcasing not only their dedication but their exceptional ingenuity in addressing real-world challenges through STEM solutions.
Dr. Calvin Mackie, Founder/CEO of STEM NOLA, expressed his pride, stating, “These Fellows exemplify the spirit of innovation and determination fostered by STEM NOLA. We applaud their exceptional work and look forward to seeing the impact they will make moving forward in the competition and beyond.”
The champions will be announced during the week of February 5th. The winning participants, along with their families, will embark on an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C. There, they will showcase their groundbreaking projects at the National STEM Festival from April 11th to 13th, 2024.
STEM Fellows is an initiative of STEM NOLA that aims to inspire youth in grades 9-12 to develop a curated interest in the STEM field by participating in activities and courses to meet their educational, networking, and professional needs. Fellows engage in immersive experiences through eight-month long mini-courses, designed to address real-world challenges in different STEM fields.
The 2024 National STEM Challenge is the first-ever nationwide initiative to foster creativity, critical thinking, and a passion for STEM subjects among middle and high school students. The Challenge invited students in grades 6-12 from across the U.S. and its territories to conceive and submit STEM innovations, inventions, and research.