Carbon STEM camp returns to Southern University, empowering 100+ students through hands-on energy innovation

Program immerses students in real-world energy and engineering challenges through hands-on STEM learning, mentorship and innovation

More than 100 middle and high school students from across the Baton Rouge area are participating this week in Southern University and A&M College’s 2025 Carbon STEM Summer Camp — a dynamic, hands-on learning experience held June 23–27. This one-week camp is part of STEMX, a monthlong summer program hosted by the university’s College of Sciences and Engineering for students in grades 6–12. The STEMX program runs throughout June and focuses on expanding access to high-quality STEM education.

Now in its third year, the camp program is a collaboration between Southern University, ExxonMobil and Rice University’s Tapia Center. It’s designed to inspire students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) by combining real-world problem solving, professional mentorship and exposure to cutting-edge energy and transportation technologies—with a special focus on carbon capture and storage (CCS).

“STEM education is essential to preparing students for the world they’re stepping into,” said Dr. Lealon L. Martin, dean of the College of Sciences and Engineering at Southern University and A&M College. “By connecting them with mentors, hands-on projects and innovative science, we’re showing what’s possible through hard work, creativity and education. We’re proud to host this impactful program with ExxonMobil and Rice University as part of our commitment to building a strong, inclusive STEM pathways that starts in Louisiana.”

Throughout the week, students are learning how carbon dioxide (CO₂) plays a critical role in building a lower-carbon future. Using everyday materials like Play-Doh, pasta, water and vegetable oil, students construct models of underground reservoirs that mimic porous and impermeable rock layers. The experiment helps students visualize how CO₂ can be safely captured and permanently stored deep underground the earth’s surface in geologically secure formations. Through this process, students gain valuable experience in environmental science, engineering design, teamwork and public speaking.

The camp is part of the Tapia STEM CCS initiative, a broader effort by ExxonMobil and the Tapia Center to expand access to high-quality STEM education across the Gulf South. Named after renowned mathematician and educator Dr. Richard Tapia, the initiative blends rigorous academics with mentorship and community support to foster confidence, curiosity and career readiness among students.

“This camp is about more than just learning science—it’s about building the confidence to succeed in science,” said Dr. Paul Hand, executive director of the Tapia Center. “We’re creating space for students to explore, collaborate and solve real-world challenges. These are the experiences that ignite long-term interest in STEM careers.”

The week-long program provides students with the opportunity to interact with Southern University faculty, engineering students and professionals from Louisiana’s energy and technology sectors. Mentors from ExxonMobil share their career paths and offer insights into the industry, helping students connect classroom learning to future opportunities.

“ExxonMobil is proud to support programs that make STEM education engaging and relevant,” said Patrice Aron, Mid-Atlantic and Southeast Area Pipeline Manager for ExxonMobil. “By linking STEM concepts to real-life challenges and careers, especially those close to home, we’re helping students envision what their future could look like. Partnerships like this are critical to building tomorrow’s workforce.”

Designed to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers and innovators, the Carbon STEM Camp gives students a unique opportunity to explore the challenges and opportunities shaping today’s energy, manufacturing and transportation industries. By combining hands-on learning with real-world context, the camp equips students with the knowledge, confidence and curiosity needed to pursue future careers in STEM and lead the way in building a more sustainable world.

For more information about the Tapia Carbon STEM Camps, visit ExxonMobilPipeline.com.