Champions will travel to National STEM Festival in April
New Orleans, LA – STEM NOLA is honored to announce that two STEM NOLA Fellows have been selected as Champions of the National STEM Challenge.
Naya Ellis, 9th Grader at John F. Kennedy High School
Naya created WingItt, an affordable watch that can monitor signs of a stroke for individuals 55 years and older.
Jayden Marion Hall, 12th Grader at Brother Martin High School
Jayden’s project, TheroSole, is a smart therapeutic shoe that uses real-time monitoring and customization to provide continuous support and pain relief for wearers. The shoes and connected mobile app can also track steps and connect with healthcare providers for treatment.
“I am thrilled to witness the incredible achievements of our STEM NOLA Fellows, Naya Ellis and Jayden Hall, as they emerge as Champions in the National STEM Challenge,” stated Dr. Calvin Mackie, Founder/CEO of STEM NOLA. “Their innovative projects exemplify the transformative power of STEM education. These young minds not only showcase exceptional creativity but also embody the spirit of problem-solving that is crucial for the future. I look forward to witnessing the impact of their groundbreaking projects at the National STEM Festival in Washington, D.C.”
In a nationwide push to find the next generation of innovators, the National STEM Challenge invited students in grades 6-12 from across the U.S. and its territories to conceive and submit STEM innovations, inventions, and research across six categories: Environmental Stewardship, Future Food, Health and Medicine, Powering the Planet, Space Innovation, and Tech for Good.
2,549 student entries from across 50 states and U.S. territories were submitted. Ultimately 126 stand-out students were selected as National STEM Champions and will have the opportunity to showcase their projects at the National STEM Festival. All student Champions, along with a caregiver, will receive an expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C., to facilitate their attendance. In addition, all Champions will receive free access to EXPLR’s educational streaming video and curriculum for a teacher of their choice.
STEM Fellows is an initiative of STEM NOLA that aims to inspire youth in grades 9-12 to develop a curated interest in the STEM field by participating in activities and courses to meet their educational, networking, and professional needs. Fellows engage in immersive experiences through eight-month long mini-courses, designed to address real-world challenges in different STEM fields. Currently, there are over 200 STEM Fellows actively engaged in New Orleans and Baton Rouge.
The first-ever National STEM Festival will take place April 11-13, 2024, in Washington, D.C. Produced in partnership between EXPLR and the U.S. Department of Education, the National STEM Festival will showcase the work of top-scoring student STEM Champions from EXPLR’s National STEM Challenge, as well as top-scoring projects from national competitions.