A high-quality education is essential in preparing our children to lead successful lives, and ultimately advance our city as a whole. According to an analysis of the regional workforce by the Baton Rouge Area Chamber (BRAC), the Baton Rouge job market is thriving with opportunity, yet our economic competitiveness continues to be challenged by a growing workforce unprepared to operate in an increasingly technological society. Baton Rouge’s current sectors of growth include petrochemicals, healthcare, and computer science, reflecting the increase in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) related jobs growing exponentially across the country. Local business leaders share this trepidation, ranking a lack of education and experience in the top five concerns for building an adequate workforce.STEM education encourages students to think critically, be creative and inspires the next generation of innovators. Yet, only 16% of high school seniors are both proficient in math and interested in pursuing a STEM-related career. New Schools for Baton Rouge (NSBR) and ExxonMobil understand the need to invest more students in STEM by supporting and empowering passionate educators in Baton Rouge schools.Last fall, NSBR partnered with ExxonMobil to award $500 grants to 10 teachers in East Baton Rouge Parish schools to better prepare students for career opportunities in STEM fields. Over the next few weeks, we invite you to step inside three Baton Rouge classrooms to discover the influence excellent STEM teachers have in the lives of students and our community.

• Meet Lai Cao from Baton Rouge Magnet High School
• Meet Nikole Blanchard from The Dunham School
• Meet Cheryl Rami from Crestworth Celerity