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STEM Fest (STEM NOLA)

Provided By
Children and adults observe a man testing a bridge model.

STEM NOLA in partnership with STEM Gulf Coast, delivers high quality, hands on STEM programming designed to expose, inspire, and engage K–12 students across the Gulf Coast region. Through DSEC funded initiatives, the program provides over 60 stations with inquiry-based learning experiences that focus on real world applications in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Through strategic partnerships, the program also integrates access to technology, volunteer engagement, and career awareness, connecting students to real world STEM applications and professionals. The overall goal is to increase STEM literacy, expand access to high quality STEM experiences, and build a strong pipeline of future innovators across the Gulf Coast region.

    Logic Model

    Program Activities

    Students (Grade K-12)

    Participate in hands-on activities related to multiple STEM topics​ 

    Learn about DoW opportunities and careers ​

    Program Near-Term Outcomes

    Students (Grade K-12)

    Increased interest in STEM subjects​ 

    Gain experience with hands-on STEM activities​ 

    Increased awareness of STEM careers

    DSEC Near-Term Outcomes

    Students (Grade K-12)

    Increased student interest and engagement in STEM 

    Increased student awareness of, and interest in, DoW STEM research and careers

    Participant Perspectives

    Due to the early event date, a participant outcome survey was not available for this program. 

    Program Data

    Program data includes participants from both years of Base Period (2024-2025 and 2025-2026). 

    Students

    645 total student participants

    Student Grade Level

    • Elementary: 476 students (73.8%)
    • Middle: 125 students (19.4%)
    • High: 37 students (5.7%)
    • Undergrad: 7 students (1.1%)

    Military-Connected Students

    Category Count %
    Military-connected 144 22.3%
    Not Military-connected Student 501 77.7%