¶¶ÒõÖ±²¥ (RPCC), through its EPIC Consortium, proudly partnered with Councilwoman Twahna Harris to support and host 16 East Baton Rouge Parish students during the STEM Power Girls Camp, a summer initiative aimed at inspiring and empowering young women to explore futures in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
As part of RPCC’s ongoing mission to cultivate local talent and strengthen pathways into high-demand careers, the camp offered students hands-on learning opportunities designed to make STEM both accessible and exciting.
“We want every young woman who walks through our doors to see herself as a scientist, innovator, or leader in the making,” said Dr. Donovan Thompson, Executive Director of EPIC and Dean of Energy Sciences at RPCC. “This camp is more than exposure—it’s a catalyst for curiosity, confidence, and connection to real-world opportunities.”
Inspiring the Next Generation
During their visit to RPCC, students participated in three dynamic STEM experiences:
- Solar Technology Exploration – Campers explored renewable energy concepts by engaging with RPCC’s rooftop solar installation, learning about sustainability and green technology in action.
- Laboratory Tours – Students toured the college’s state-of-the-art glass labs, gaining insight into real-world plant operations and industrial process environments.
- Personal Care Chemistry – In a student favorite, participants created their own shampoo formulations using natural ingredients and tested them on human hair samples. The activity sparked meaningful discussions on hair types, ingredient science, and product design—some students even brought baby dolls to simulate diverse hair textures.
These experiences were carefully designed to connect STEM concepts to the campers' interests, lives, and potential future careers.