NEW ORLEANS (press release) – STEM NOLA is excited to announce it has joined the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Energy Technology Innovation Partnership Project (ETIPP) as a Regional Partner for the Gulf Coast. Through this program, STEM NOLA will support innovative energy projects in communities throughout New Orleans, surrounding River and Coastal Parishes, and the Gulf Coast area including states such as Texas, Alabama, Mississippi, and Florida.

The ETIPP program, managed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), is designed to help coastal, remote, and island communities improve the resilience of their energy systems through technical assistance and funding. ETIPP combines the expertise of four national laboratories and the place-based knowledge of nine regional organizations to provide tailored technical support for communities to develop affordable, reliable, and secure energy systems. As a Regional Partner in this initiative, STEM NOLA will lead efforts to engage communities in energy innovation through education, resilient energy projects, and hands-on initiatives.

Dr. Calvin Mackie, co-founder, President and CEO of STEM NOLA, STEM Global Action, expressed the organization’s enthusiasm for this opportunity, saying, “We are honored to join this program and to work as part of ETIPP’s network in promoting innovative energy solutions in remote communities. Our mission is to inspire the next generation of innovators through STEM education, and this partnership will allow us to empower local communities with the tools they need to develop innovative, more resilient energy systems.”

The partnership will allow STEM NOLA to facilitate community-based engagement activities such as town hall meetings and collaborative energy projects aimed at addressing the unique energy challenges in these areas. Dr. Mackie added, “By involving local residents in the process, STEM NOLA will help build long-term capacity for reliable energy solutions while providing valuable educational experiences that inspire future leaders in energy innovation.”

Dr. Mackie also emphasized the broader impact of this partnership, saying, “We believe that engaging youth in STEM activities from an early age not only sparks creativity and critical thinking but also creates a pathway for future workforce development. Through ETIPP, we can take these principles to the next level by integrating them into innovative solutions that impact the communities we serve.”

This partnership represents a significant step toward creating a more reliable and resilient future for local communities while simultaneously providing youth with opportunities to develop key skills that will prepare them for success in the new economy.

Applications for ETIPP are currently open through July 27, and STEM NOLA is actively recruiting communities. To learn more about eligibility, the application process, and types of support available through ETIPP, contact us at vbermudez@stemnola.com

About STEM NOLA

STEM NOLA is a New Orleans-based organization focused on inspiring and educating the next generation of innovators in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Through hands-on learning experiences and community-driven programs, STEM NOLA works to make STEM accessible to all children, particularly those in under-resourced communities. STEM NOLA is a vital force in workforce development, helping create a skilled, diverse workforce that will drive innovation and economic growth.

About the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) primary national laboratory for energy systems research and development. NREL coordinates technical support for DOE’s Energy Technology Innovation Partnership Project (ETIPP) to help coastal, remote, and island communities become more energy resilient.

About the Energy Technology Innovation Partnership Project (ETIPP)

The U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Technology Innovation Partnership Project (ETIPP) is a community-led technical support program for coastal, remote, and island communities to access unique solutions and increase energy resilience. By uniting federal agencies, national laboratories, regional organizations, and community stakeholders, ETIPP provides tailored technical support to help communities achieve affordable reliable solutions to their energy system challenges. This collaborative model leverages the combined expertise and resources of its partners to deliver comprehensive, practical solutions that align with local needs.