Information for Principals and School Administrators

Expand Your Course Offerings 

Through our professional development programs, we offer teachers essential scaffolding to deliver STEM courses that prepare students for college and careers. Each program comes with distinct advantages, specific costs, eligibility criteria, and requires commitments at the school or district level.

STEM Pathways Courses for Grades 6–12

STEM Pathways Courses

The LSU STEM Pathways offer exciting hands-on training in STEM subjects—Biomedical Science, Computing, Digital Design & Emergent Media, Environmental Protection & Sustainability, and Pre-Engineering. Partnering with schools statewide, LSU prepares teachers for the program’s STEM curricula. The courses are tailored for high school with preparatory classes and/or modules for middle and elementary school, serving 10,000+ students and their teachers.

Starting in 2023–2024, first-year LSU students with a 3.5 high school GPA who have completed four/eight LSU STEM Pathway courses can apply for one of 30 Silver/Gold STEM Seal Scholarships with $750/$1,500 cash awards.

High School STEM Pathway Courses

STEM Pathways prepare students for post-secondary STEM degrees or high-demand industry credentials by offering high school credit courses in five STEM disciplines. Upon successfully completing each course, students earn LSU certificates, leading to state-recognized Silver or Gold STEM endorsements.

STEM Pathway Courses for Middle School Students

Middle school students can earn high school credit by taking 8th grade Survey of Computer Science or 7th or 8th grade Introduction to STEM Pathways and Careers. These courses offer a jumpstart on STEM pathways and contribute to fulfilling graduation requirements.

Middle School Elective Courses

Early exposure to project-based STEM courses is crucial in fostering student interest in STEM during high school. These fully developed middle school elective courses, although they do not offer high school credit, play a significant role in building a successful pathway for students in STEM education. 

Visit LSU Pathways Website for More Information

 

College Credit Opportunities for Grades 9–12

Pre-Dual Enrollment

The Pre-DE program provides teachers with quality course material and training in traditional high school Mathematics (Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra II) and English (English I, II, and III). It prepares students for success in college-level coursework during their later years of high school.

Dual Enrollment Facilitator Model

Students enroll at LSU and attend courses conducted at their local high schools. LSU faculty develop, manage, and monitor the content, while trained teachers facilitate the courses. This model is well-suited to teachers with a strong subject-matter background.

High School Companion Course for Asynchronous Dual Enrollment

STEM Pathways equip students with high school credit courses in five STEM disciplines, preparing them for post-secondary STEM degrees or high-demand industry credentials. Successful completion of each course earns students LSU certificates, leading to state-recognized Silver or Gold STEM endorsements. This model empowers students to earn college credit during their high school years, propelling them towards post-secondary education.

CONTINUE READING ABOUT COLLEGE CREDIT OPPORTUNITIES FOR GRADES 9–12

Choice Credit for College Learning Model

Students deserve the opportunity to take advanced courses, regardless of their readiness or access to college-level classes. The Choice Model enables students to enroll in LSU courses, giving them the autonomy to decide whether to transcribe the credit upon receiving their final grade. Teachers are equipped with training to guide students throughout their college-level course experience. 

CONTINUE READING ABOUT THE CHOICE CREDIT FOR COLLEGE LEARNING MODEL

 

STEM Enrichment

Enrich Classrooms With K–8 STEM Content Modules

Elementary and middle schools often struggle to offer stand alone STEM courses. Although our STEM modules can be use in stand alone STEM courses, they can also be incorporated into traditional classrooms or used in after- and before- school programs. Implementation is flexible. These modules support vertical STEM skill alignment, learning life skills, and creating STEM identity and career awareness early in the educational pipeline

visit lsu pathways page on K–5 stem content modules

VISIT LSU PATHWAYS PAGE ON 6–8 STEM CONTENT MODULES

Offer CS In Your School or District with our Code.org® Workshops

LSU is the Code.org Regional Partner and K–12 computer science hub for Louisiana. In partnership with Code.org, we will drive new awareness and expansion of computer science education across the state for flexible classroom implementation. Anyone can teach CS—you don't have to be a software developer.

Visit Our Code.org Regional Partner Page for more information

Obtain Monetary Grants for Classroom Materials and Equipment 

A Quality Science and Math Grant provides teachers with varying amounts based on the grade levels they teach—$1,000 (PK–2), $1,500 (3rd–5th), and $2,000 (6th–12th)—annually per teacher. We recommend teachers align their course offerings with state or district guidelines for engineering, computer science, and related STEM courses. Additionally, teachers should use the funds to purchase reusable educational materials and equipment. This approach will enhance equity and expedite learning for students who need additional support, streamline the teaching-learning process through targeted content development, and strengthen the school’s capacity to meet Louisiana Science and Mathematics Standards.

Visit the Quality Science and Math Grant Website for more information

Stay Informed with Capital Area STEM Network Center Monthly Newsletter

As the LaSTEM Region 2 Network Center, Capital Area STEM plays a vital role in promoting STEM awareness, participation, achievement, and career opportunities. Operating under the LSU Gordon A. Cain Center for STEM Literacy, Capital Area STEM fosters STEM engagement through partnerships with educators, business leaders, professionals, and the community. Their goal is to enhance access to quality STEM education and contribute to a more inclusive and equitable STEM workforce. Capital Area STEM facilitates communication and engagement through its monthly newsletter, event calendar, and blog. 

Visit Capital Area STEM Network Center website for more information