GNO, Inc. Fuels STEM Futures with Southeastern Louisiana University Partnership
Greater New Orleans, Inc. (GNO, Inc.) is proud to announce a sub-award of its H2theFuture initiative to support Southeastern Louisiana University’s STEM Scholars Program. This transformative program focuses on empowering high school students, particularly from underserved communities in Tangipahoa Parish and beyond, to pursue STEM secondary education and envision themselves in careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
“This partnership represents the power of collaboration to change lives and strengthen communities,” said Michael Hecht, President and CEO of Greater New Orleans, Inc. “The STEM Scholars Program opens doors to clean energy careers for students who historically haven’t had access, helping us build a more equitable and prosperous future for Greater New Orleans.”
With this funding, the program will expand to serve students across the Greater New Orleans region and further its mission by enrolling more students, especially BIPOC students from rural areas, in Washington Parish Schools, St. James Parish Schools, and the City of Bogalusa School District. The program’s curriculum will also be enhanced with units on hydrogen fuel, offshore wind, and photovoltaic energy. The subward recipients are the College of Science and Technology and the Southeastern Sustainability Center, which will function as the hub for the program’s year-long activities.
“Southeastern has always been committed to serving all members of our community, and the STEM Scholars program has helped us access communities we have not been able to serve in the past,” said Dan McCarthy, Dean of Research and Innovation at Southeastern Louisiana University. “It is also exciting that these students will be exposed to the amazing workforce opportunities in the energy sector, which will only help to enrich our region further.”
Students who participate in the STEM Scholars Program benefit from a tiered mentoring approach, working with near-peer mentors—undergraduate STEM students from underserved populations—who provide guidance and share relatable experiences. This model has demonstrated remarkable results in improving students’ STEM identity and self-efficacy, key indicators of future career success in STEM fields.
“Participants gain valuable experience by working alongside college faculty and undergraduate STEM students throughout the year and during summer programming,” said Troy Williams, Director of the STEM Scholars Energy Academy. “These activities enhance students’ STEM identity and awareness, better preparing them for success in STEM-focused college majors and careers.”
In October 2024, the program inaugurated the STEM Scholars Energy Academy, offering clean and sustainable energy education to students in grades 9–12. The curriculum includes hands-on learning about renewable energy technologies like hydrogen fuel, floating offshore wind, and solar photovoltaics. Students will also receive exposure to clean energy career pathways and the business aspects of the energy industry, alongside cultural programming celebrating the heritage of participating scholars. Next summer, the Energy Academy will feature a week-long residential institute at Southeastern’s campus, culminating in a Scholar Showcase to present student projects.
The partnership between GNO, Inc. and Southeastern Louisiana University underscores the region’s commitment to cultivating talent and addressing workforce needs in the energy sector. Through the H2theFuture coalition, this program aligns with broader efforts to build a clean energy economy in Louisiana.
