Opening doors to STEM: Inspiring Baton Rouge’s next generation
Sponsored by ExxonMobil Baton Rouge
What does making perfume have to do with science? For students at Thrive Academy, a hands-on activity helped make that connection clear, offering a glimpse into how chemistry and other science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields connect to everyday life.
That kind of discovery is central to ExxonMobil Baton Rouge’s efforts to expand STEM education and introduce students to career possibilities they may not have considered.
Through partnerships with local schools, universities and community organizations, ExxonMobil supports opportunities that help students explore STEM, develop practical skills and connect classroom learning with real-world applications.
“Talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not always evenly distributed,” says Rory Denicola, an advisor with ExxonMobil Baton Rouge’s Public & Government Affairs team. “By expanding access and removing barriers, we can help more students discover their potential and pursue futures they may not have previously imagined.”
Making STEM come alive
For Tara Bazille, a socioeconomic advisor with ExxonMobil Baton Rouge, one of the most rewarding aspects of STEM outreach is watching students visualize themselves in fields that once felt out of reach.
During the recent Girls’ Night Out STEM event at Thrive Academy, students made perfume and learned how the activity connected to chemistry. Many had not realized that creating a fragrance involved the same scientific principles used by professional chemists.
ExxonMobil also partners with STEM Baton Rouge to host STEM Saturdays, where students engage with science and engineering concepts through live demonstrations. The company also participates in the Bayou Classic STEM Fest, which reaches more than 500 students.
In November, ExxonMobil employees will bring that same approach to Scotlandville High School with interactive experiments in recognition of National STEM Day. The goal is to make STEM accessible and engaging while helping students understand the range of opportunities available in science and technical fields.
That exposure can lead to meaningful changes in a student’s plans for the future.
Bazille recalls a high school student who approached her at a Saturday event to express his interest in ExxonMobil’s high school internship program. “He introduced himself and confidently delivered his elevator pitch. He knew I was a co-lead for the ExxonMobil High School internship program, and he took the initiative to tell me why he wanted an opportunity to learn more about STEM careers.” He was ultimately selected for the program, where he gained industry experience and valuable mentorship.
The experience illustrates how early exposure and mentorship can help students recognize possibilities beyond their initial expectations.
Investing in Baton Rouge’s future
STEM education also supports the region’s long-term economic growth. As industries such as energy, petrochemicals and advanced manufacturing become increasingly technology-driven, employers need people with skills in engineering, data analytics, environmental science and other technical fields.
“STEM education is a shared community responsibility,” Bazille says. Businesses can provide resources, mentorship and career exposure, while educators, families and community organizations can encourage curiosity and help students explore new opportunities.
By connecting students with experiences, mentors and pathways to further education, ExxonMobil Baton Rouge is working to help the next generation envision what is possible and build the skills to get there.
