STEM camp empowers young innovators in Baton Rouge; teaches about carbon capture

BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — STEM education took center stage this summer at Southern University, where more than 100 middle and high school students from across the Baton Rouge area explored climate solutions and carbon capture technology through hands-on learning.

The Carbon STEM Camp gave young innovators the chance to tackle real-world environmental issues head-on. Throughout the weeklong program, students developed their own carbon capture and storage (CCS) models and presented them to a panel of judges, including experts from ExxonMobil and other energy industry leaders.

Among the students was Brooklyn Chisley, who said the experience is shaping her future.

“I’d want to major in math when I go to college, and I want to have a career as a mathematician,” she shared. “I knew of climate change, but I didn’t know the cause. Learning about CCS and why it’s so important — it makes me want to be a part of projects like that.”

Students were tasked with creating presentations that simplified complex carbon management strategies, helping them sharpen their public speaking and collaboration skills.

Ruben Jean of ExxonMobil, who served as a camp mentor and judge, emphasized the importance of early education in climate solutions.

“It’s so important for students to know about this,” Jean said. “This gives them a real opportunity to be part of a lower-carbon future.”

The camp is part of a broader initiative to build a pipeline of diverse talent in STEM fields, preparing the next generation of scientists, engineers, and climate leaders.

For Chisley, the camp was empowering.

“It’s really inspiring to see all these people in fields you might want to be in,” she said. “If they can do it, you can do it too.”

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