RUSTON, La. – The SCILS Region 8 LaSTEM Center welcomed more than 100 students, educators, and community leaders to its annual Mini Summit, a celebration of year-round STEM progress and collaboration across Northeast Louisiana.
Hosted in Ruston, the summit spotlighted the accomplishments of the STEM Collective for Innovative Louisiana Stakeholders (SCILS) and created a dynamic space for networking among PK-12 educators, higher education institutions, and regional partners.
“This is an opportunity for folks from everywhere to get together and celebrate what we’ve accomplished this year,” said Cathi Cox-Boniol, SCILS Director. “The Mini Summit allows people to network, share ideas, and realize we’re more alike than we are different.”
One of the summit’s primary goals was to expand access to STEM learning in rural and underserved communities. According to Cox-Boniol, that mission is already taking root: “A parish that hadn’t yet partnered with us came to the summit last year. By the end of that day, they had made connections, found inspiration, and went home ready to lead.”
This year’s event highlighted growing student engagement in programs like KidWind and robotics competitions, alongside the success of RECIPE for Rural STEM, an initiative that delivers hands-on STEM kits and equipment directly to classrooms. These resources are sparking curiosity and enhancing instruction for both students and teachers.
Shalonda Hester, site coordinator for the 21st Century Community Learning Center at Bastrop High School, said her school’s first year participating in SCILS has been transformative.
“We’ve seen real growth in our students,” said Hester. “Their excitement about participating in SCILS competitions has been incredible, and they’ve learned so much. This experience has opened the door for us to expand our robotics program and engage with even more students.”
Jhalil Atkins, a ninth-grader at Bastrop High School, agreed:
“Working with my friends makes the competitions more fun, but I find STEM interesting in general,” he said. “It’s been exciting to understand robotics in a way I never had before.”
As the summit concluded, Cox-Boniol emphasized that the momentum for STEM in Northeast Louisiana is just getting started.
“Whether you’re an educator or student, don’t wait to get involved,” she urged. “SCILS is helping ensure individuals are equipped and excited to take on future opportunities in STEM fields.”
For more information about SCILS programs or how to get involved, visit LaSTEM.org or contact the Region 8 LaSTEM Center at Louisiana Tech University.