Recently, Louisiana Tech University’s College of Education hosted the Regional Autonomous Robotics Competition (RARC) and had its inaugural Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Day.

The Science and Technology Education Center (SciTEC) in the College of Education partnered with UTeachTech and the Cyber Innovation Center in Shreveport on the initiatives.

“The Cyber Innovation Center and NICERC are proud to partner with Louisiana Tech University to deliver quality Cyber, STEM, and Computer Science events and competitions for the community,” Kevin Nolten, Director of Academic Outreach, said. “The STEM Day event exceeded all expectations with more than students competing in a head-to-head robotics competition. Every student who competed walked away with knowledge and understanding of robotics and an ability to apply the 21st Century skills that are being taught in the classroom.”

Corporate partner CenturyLink sponsored the event and the winners of the competition were recognized later that day during the Louisiana Tech-Rice football game. Two additional competitions will take place during the 2018-19 academic school year.

STEM Day included a reception as a kickoff event to celebrate the prominence of STEM education and workforce development. With the collaborative effort of the College of Education, Louisiana Tech Athletics, and the College of Engineering and Science, students from the colleges had the distinct opportunity to network with STEM Day sponsors including General Dynamics, CenturyLink, Graphic Packaging, and others.

“UTeachTech was thrilled to be part of Louisiana Tech University’s first STEM Day,” Associate UTeachTech Director, Dr. Laura Bostick, said. “STEM isn’t just about the subjects it encompasses – science, technology, engineering, and math. UTeachTech is an interdisciplinary program that recruits STEM majors to become secondary math and science teachers, using their passion for STEM to fuel future generations.

“It’s about encouraging students to be curious, creative and resilient. STEM programs teach skills that will help students be successful in life, whether or not they decide to pursue a career in STEM. We hope to see STEM Day grow in the future, and we are looking forward to being a part of it!”           

“STEM students from both colleges were central to STEM Day activities and served as excellent representatives of what industry partners could expect from future STEM leaders,” said Emily Kabbes, Director of Development for the College of Education.

To learn more about the RARC competition, email glenn@latech.edu. To learn more about UTeachTech, email lbostick@latech.edu, and to learn more about engaging in STEM Education activities, email scitec@latech.edu.