The nation’s future economic prosperity is closely linked with student success in science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM, fields. Career and Technical Education programs and initiatives play an important role in addressing the STEM challenge of providing gender-equity opportunities for females in male-dominated programs of study that lead to high-demand, high-wage careers.

In an effort to offer female students a deeper understanding of STEM career pathways and to build interest in STEM-related careers, Northshore Technical Community College hosted a “Brighter Future for Females” seminar recently at Bogalusa’s Sullivan Campus.

Dr. William Wainwright, chancellor of Northshore Technical Community College, and Mayor Wendy O’Quin Perrette welcomed eighth- and ninth-grade female students from four participating schools, which included Bogalusa High School, Northshore Charter School, Pine Junior and Senior High School and Varnado School.

A total of 32 participants represented their school’s science class and were very attentive as Bogalusa City Schools Superintendent Willie “Toni” Breaux imparted words of encouragement. Gordon Carmadelle, human resource recruiter, shared information about career opportunities with Netchex.

The young ladies participated in break-out sessions and hands-on activities provided by NTCC’s administrators, faculty, staff and student government association.

Dr. Tina Tinney, vice chancellor of strategic initiatives, conducted a team-building engineering activity in which two-member teams competed against each other to assemble a pencil holder. She also captured the attention of the young ladies in a biological research session that allowed students to participate in a synthetic blood sampling “whose baby” scenario that demonstrated the importance of blood-type identification.

Remy Williams, information technology instructor, covered the technology session in which students learned basic troubleshooting techniques for computers and were exposed to the many occupations associated with information technology.

Phil Graves, building technology instructor, conducted activities that displayed the importance of math in the construction industry.

Northshore Technical Community College business and industry partners that sponsored the event included Brennan’s Vending Service, Netchex and Laitram.