Southern University and A&M College (SUBR) will join forces with Rice University, one of the nation’s foremost research institutions, to encourage students from underrepresented communities to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

Integrating Rice’s Tapia STEM Camp curriculum into SUBR’s dynamic summer camp program, the 2024 summer camp includes opportunities for ExxonMobil employees to engage with students throughout the week and will help nearly 115 middle- and high-school students learn about carbon dioxide (CO₂) and the importance of its effective management in a lower-carbon future.

During the camp, set for June 17 - 21, 2024, rising sixth- through twelfth-grade students will learn about the capture of CO₂ and its transportation to specially designated sites with the right geological properties for permanent, underground storage. They will also experiment with hands-on STEM projects, such as building a model of an underground reservoir that has porous and impermeable rock layers using household items, such as Play-Doh™, pasta and beans, and using water and vegetable oil to demonstrate how carbon can be injected and stored in the reservoirs.

At the conclusion of the week-long camp, participants will emerge with a better understanding of CO₂ —  its origins, its impact, and the importance of implementing carbon capture and storage to help reduce climate change and its impact on the planet. The program will also help students learn and practice public speaking and collaboration skills as they work together to present their final projects.

“Our goal is to encourage curiosity and ambition in the hearts of tomorrow's STEM professionals,” said President-Chancellor Dennis J. Shields of Southern University. "With gratitude to our committed faculty, we foster excellence in education not only for our collegiate scholars but also for the budding minds of our community through initiatives like this camp. We hope the knowledge cultivated here will resonate within these campers, sparking a passion for STEM that will shape their journeys and empower them to leave an indelible mark on our world."

The Tapia STEM Camps, named after Dr. Richard Tapia of Rice University, aim to promote STEM excellence and equity among middle- and high-school students. Dr. Tapia, an acclaimed mathematician and educator, founded the camps to inspire students to pursue STEM subjects while fostering inclusivity and a passion for learning.

“The area of STEM has always been important in our industry. Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics are the core of our business," said Steve Yatauro, ExxonMobil Pipeline Company President. "Dr. Tapia identified an opportunity to bring together students, instructors, employees and subject matter experts through this camp to talk about a world that has lower carbon solutions. We stand committed to supporting efforts like the Tapia STEM Camp that educate and nurture the next generation of energy and community leaders."

The Tapia STEM camp curriculum is designed by a team led by Rice University’s Tapia Center for Excellence and Equity in Education Interim Executive Director, Professor Paul Hand, PhD. It places a special focus on teaching effective communication and teamwork, two essential but often overlooked skills needed for a successful STEM career.  In addition to developing public speaking and collaboration skills, Tapia camp participants engage with diverse experts from ExxonMobil who talk about their experiences and work in the field.

“I’m very happy we are giving these students an opportunity to see how wonderful all the things in STEM can be. It is exciting for the students, and all it takes is a little bit of excitement,” said Dr. Richard Tapia of Rice University. “We have a high respect for ExxonMobil for making it possible to bring this inclusive opportunity to groups that have been historically excluded. We’re making a difference. We’re making the world a better place.”

Rice University’s Tapia STEM Camp team met with Southern University camp teachers earlier this year to provide professional development and share the tools and techniques for teaching the Tapia course curriculum and experiences in their classrooms at SUBR. Ascension Parish Public Schools middle school teachers also joined the training session and will teach the curriculum to approximately 500 middle school students this summer.

“In our role as educators, we strive to illuminate the pathways to vital, sought-after, and fulfilling fields of study and career prospects,” said Dr. Francesca M. Mellieon-Williams, Director of the Science Summer Institute at SUBR College of Sciences & Engineering. “I extend my heartfelt appreciation to ExxonMobil and Rice’s Tapia Center for their instrumental support in guiding these students towards the boundless opportunities within STEM education and professions. This program makes a special attempt to show the students that no matter what your background is, if you have an interest in STEM, then you belong here. We hope to continue the tradition of incorporating the Tapia STEM Camp into our summer curriculum for many years to come.”