Gordon A. Cain Center for STEM Literacy
Supporting STEM Literacy at LSU for Over 30 Years
The Gordon A. Cain Center for STEM Literacy fosters STEM education policy and best practices while developing curricula, courses, and maintaining high-quality standards. As a reporting unit within LSU’s Office of Academic Affairs, we link the university with K–12 schools, emphasizing career and college readiness for high school and incoming LSU students.
Our Programs and Services
Our commitment extends to enhancing Louisiana educators’ proficiency in math, traditional, and emerging sciences through professional development programs and science, math, and STEM classroom resource grants. Annually, our programs and initiatives impact tens of thousands of students statewide.
Since Fall 2022, we have served as the Louisiana regional partner for Code.org®, a national leading provider of K–12 computer science curriculum. Through this partnership, LSU has expanded computer science education across Louisiana, equipping teachers with professional development and preparing students for future job opportunities in the computing workforce.
The Choice Credit for College Learning Program allows students to integrate authentic college-level courses into their regular high school classes, aligning with the pace and rigor of LSU offerings. Students can opt to receive LSU credit if satisfied with their final grade. Teachers are equipped with training to guide students throughout this college-level course experience.
Dual Enrollment allows high school students to take LSU courses right in their own classrooms, earning both LSU and high school credits simultaneously.
These courses can be paired with regular high school classes, high school honors courses, or even high school AP courses. During the 2023–2024 academic year, we offered 35 courses across twelve disciplines—Art, Chemistry, Computer Science, Education, Engineering, English, French, History, Industrial Engineering, Mathematics, Music, and Spanish—to over 8,300 high school students.
The Dual Enrollment-Aligned Graduate Certificates and/or Master’s Programs provide high school teachers in English, History, and Math with 18 graduate hours of content coursework required to meet the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACS-COC) credentialing guidelines for DE instructors.
Capital Area STEM hosts The Ignite Initiative, a no-cost, 40-hour workshop available to all K–5 public charter and public elementary school teachers that highlights essential computer science skills. The training, which includes Code.org, Scratch, Micro:bit, and robots, follows a “train the trainer” approach to create CS Ambassadors disseminating content statewide.
Ignite Ambassadors, chosen by their district or school, require no prior experience and can provide K–5 teacher training once they complete the workshop. Successful Ambassadors can earn stipends ($1200 to $1500) based on the teachers they train.
The Quality Science and Mathematics (QSM) Grant Program awards up to $2,000 to Louisiana PK-12 public school teachers for purchasing non-consumable materials and equipment for standards-based, effective, and innovative math, science, and STEM instruction. Applicants must demonstrate how materials improve instruction for traditional students during the school day.
The LSU STEM Pathways offers exciting hands-on training in STEM subjects—Computing & Cybersecurity, Digital Design & Emergent Media, Environmental Protection & Sustainability, Pre-Healthcare and Pre-Veterinary, and Pre-Engineering. Partnering with schools statewide, LSU prepares teachers for the program’s STEM curricula. Serving 10,000+ students and teachers, the courses provided are tailored towards high school participants.
Middle school students also have several opportunities to get involved with the LSU STEM Pathways before 9th grade: middle school courses for high school credit, middle school courses for middle school credit, and middle school STEM modules.
First-year LSU students with a 3.5 high school GPA that have completed four of eight LSU STEM Pathways courses can apply annually for one of 20 Silver Seal Scholarships ($750) or one of ten Gold STEM Seal Scholarships ($1,500).
First-Year LSU Students
Incoming first-year LSU students can enhance their prospects of timely graduation by enrolling in higher-level math courses. Our short-term asynchronous virtual camp is tailored to refresh math skills and enhance performance on the ALEKS PPL assessment. This free online Moodle course, spanning approximately 3 weeks, incorporates videos, learning modules, and practice problems. Virtual 1:1 support from academic mentors is available to assist with effective study habits, conceptual understanding of calculus, and improved mathematical reasoning and problem-solving skills. Completion of the course leads to sharper study skills and enhanced mathematical abilities.
Grades 6–12
State Rally is an annual event managed by the Louisiana High School Rally Association. Louisiana High School students compete in open events in three foreign languages, music speech, and theater and in written tests in 46 different areas. The winners of district rallies qualify to participate in State Rally at Louisiana State University.
The Math Circle Competition Team (MCCT) at LSU is an enjoyable journey into problem-solving, skill-building, and friendly competition. Designed for students in 7-12th grade, our collaborative approach draws inspiration from professional mathematicians, beginning with accessible mysteries. The MCCT aims to enrich participant’s math skills within a welcoming community environment that fosters a sense of discovery and excitement towards mathematics.
Participating students are provided a relaxed setting for weekly meet-ups where they can prepare for regional and national math competitions such as AMC, AIME, and Purple Comet Math Meet.
Embark on an exciting journey through a variety of engaging summer STEM subject programs available in various departments across our campus. Immerse yourself in hands-on projects that promote active participation and collaboration with fellow students who share your interests. Delve into fascinating topics not commonly covered in high school classrooms.
Our enriching STEM summer camps are non-credit, two-week experiences specifically designed for students entering grades 9–12, who are interested in college-level science, technology, engineering, and math. Students have the option of living on campus while working alongside like-minded peers, graduate students, and LSU faculty.
Upward Bound, a federal TRIO program funded by the US Department of Education, empowers low-income and potential first-generation college students, enhancing their academic performance and motivation for higher education. LSU Upward Bound prepares Louisiana high school students for college with dedicated staff, institutional support, and community backing. Through diverse experiences, we empower Upward Bound participants on their educational and career journey.
The Virtual Math Circle summer camps bring together rising 9th—12th grade math enthusiasts to learn material not typically taught in high school curriculum. It provides an environment where students can traverse the complex world of college mathematics and conduct mathematical research with guidance from the university graduate students and faculty.
The camp consists of two projects: a 45-minute, colloquial-style poster session and a final capstone project, simultaneously providing opportunities for students to hone their research and communication skills. Additionally, each project has the potential to: qualify for a fall science fair project; evolve into a deeper research experience with faculty; merit financial support towards future travel to conferences or publication costs; and enhance college applications.
Our professional development programs help teachers deliver STEM courses. These programs are divided into three categories, each offering unique advantages, costs, eligibility criteria, and school/district level commitments. Explore our offerings and take your educational institution to new heights.
Capital Area STEM (CASN), serving as the LaSTEM Region 2 Network Center under the LSU Gordon A. Cain Center for STEM Literacy, promotes awareness, participation, achievement, and career opportunities in STEM. CASN promotes a culture of STEM engagement through various activities and initiatives. Through partnerships with educators, business leaders, STEM professionals, and community members, CASN strives to improve access to high-quality STEM education and contribute to a stronger STEM workforce.