The Louisiana Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Advisory Council (LaSTEM) under the auspices of the Board of Regents is tasked to coordinate and oversee the creation, delivery, and promotion of STEM education programs, to increase student interest and achievement in the fields of STEM, to ensure the alignment of education, economic development, industry, and workforce needs, and to increase the number of women who graduate from a postsecondary institution with a STEM degree or credential. To learn more about LaSTEM or find STEM opportunities in Louisiana, visit LaSTEM.regents.la.gov. Central Creativity is a community-driven learning center that is dedicated to promoting critical and creative thinking. They are rethinking the way education can be implemented to positively impact not just students but the entire community. Central Creativity supports all existing forms of learning within the community, including public schools, private schools, and homeschool families. Their mission is to increase critical and creative thinking skills in students, integrate the community with the classroom, connect educators with opportunities and resources, improve teacher skillsets through meaningful professional development, grow a future-ready workforce, and support the economic growth of the community. Learn more at www.CentralCreativity.com. BROUGHT TO YOU BY All curriculum and investigations designed by Central Creativity in partnership with CWPPRA, LaSTEM, Nunez Community College, and Delta Discovery Tours. The Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection and Restoration Act, (CWPPRA, pronounced kwǐp-rŭh), is federal legislation enacted in 1990 that is designed to identify, prepare, and fund construction of coastal wetlands restoration projects to address Louisiana’s land loss crisis. The CWPPRA Program is a collaborative partnership between five Federal agencies, including the U.S Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), NOAA-National Marine Fisheries Service, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as well as the State of Louisiana’s Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA). To date, CWPPRA has authorized over 200 coastal restoration or protection projects, benefiting approximately 100,000 acres in Louisiana. In addition to maintaining coastal ecosystems through restoration projects, CWPPRA supports environmental education and community engagement initiatives by providing free informational materials and immersive opportunities that explore and emphasize the importance of protecting our wetlands. To learn more about CWPPRA’s protection and restoration projects or access additional educational resources, visit www.LaCoast.gov. Nunez Community College is a student-centered institution that delivers relevant and innovative curriculum integrating the arts, sciences, and humanities leading to academic credentials and workforce opportunities. Nunez serves a vital role in the community by engaging with partners to support student success and personal growth. Nunez also offers the Coastal Studies and GIS Technology programs which prepare students for coastal-focused careers with a specialty on GIS technology skills and instruction in coastal and environmental science.
