Event hosted during NMA 2023 Annual Convention and Scientific Assembly
STEM NOLA, a leading nonprofit organization focused on promoting Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education, recently hosted a STEM Fest, presented by The National Medical Association (NMA) and powered by Ochsner. The free three hour event engaged over 600 K-12 students and caregivers, college and professional volunteers, and elected officials. The event was held at the Hyatt Regency in New Orleans during the NMA 2023 Annual Convention and Scientific Assembly.
This event provided an opportunity for students to collaborate with doctors and physicians to build and test their own mechanical lungs, gain insights into human anatomy and the significance of respiratory health. Heart dissection and lung simulation stations engaged students in medical practices while highlighting the crucial role of healthcare accessibility and education in shaping health outcomes. Virtual Reality and Artificial Intelligence demonstrations offered students the opportunity to explore the human body.
“We aspire to instill in children the belief that they have the potential to pursue careers in the medical field, such as medical professionals, nurses, pharmacists, lab technicians, researchers, or even robotic engineers,” expressed Dr. Calvin Mackie, President and CEO at STEM NOLA. “Through science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education, communities can better understand health-related issues and develop innovative solutions, ultimately leading to healthier communities. Our mission is to lay the groundwork for a future pool of skilled talent, workforce, and professionals in New Orleans and beyond.”
Aligned with health equity and literacy community initiatives of The NMA and Ochsner, the STEM FEST emphasized the importance of equal access to STEM education for all K-12 students and offered 50+ hands-on STEM activities to foster curiosity and potential career interests in fields like medicine, engineering, and more. It also recognized the profound impact of social determinants of health on a child’s overall well-being.
“STEM NOLA is a tremendous platform to expose children to Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. The National Medical Association is the largest and oldest association centering Black physicians and the patients they serve,” stated Maurice Sholas, MD, PhD, President, New Orleans Medical Association and Region 5 Trustee, National Medical Association Board of Trustees. “It is only natural that these two organizations partner in New Orleans at the NMA’s Annual Convention to connect children with medical students, resident physicians and attending physicians to bring to life the pipeline producing the next generation of doctors. This is a signature event that enriches the conference as well as the community of children in New Orleans.”
“Our future depends on developing young minds,” said Dr. Yvnes Laborde, Medical Director for Global Health at Ochsner Health. “A healthy community begins with healthy young minds.”
STEM NOLA’s commitment to promoting science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education continues to make a remarkable impact, touching the lives of thousands of students and families, and leaves a positive footprint in the journey towards a brighter and healthier future.
Since its founding in 2013, STEM NOLA has engaged more than 125,000 students, 20,000 families and 5,000 schools.