A new parish-wide initiative led by the Friends of Crowville organization brought hands-on science, technology, engineering and math experiences to every fourth grader in Richland Parish. STEMFest, a four-day program inspired by a successful model in Franklin Parish, introduced students to real-world STEM concepts through interactive learning stations at the Richland Parish Library’s Rayville Branch.
The idea to bring STEMFest to Richland Parish began with Friends of Crowville Director Nick Poulos, whose organization focuses on expanding educational opportunities for local students. Poulos said the goal is simple but far-reaching: “We want to help students of Richland Parish learn about the variety of career options available in their future so they can become prosperous, happy citizens. With programs like STEMFest, we want to spark their curiosity—help them explore new interests and find things they are passionate about.” He added that Friends of Crowville hopes to empower students to never stop learning.
With that vision in mind, Friends of Crowville initiated the planning process and brought together a coalition of partners, including the Richland Parish Library, Louisiana Delta Community College (LDCC), Northeast Louisiana Power Cooperative (NELPCO), Delhi Charter School, LifeShare Blood Center, the Northeast Soil & Water Conservation District, and the LSU AgCenter.
Over the course of four days, students from all eight elementary schools attended a three-hour program at the library. Two schools participated each day—one in the morning and one in the afternoon— rotating through eight 10-minute stations designed to make STEM concepts fun, accessible, and memorable.
Abigail Lockard, Program Director for the Rayville Branch, said the library was proud to host an event that blended education with excitement. “Seeing the students light up as they explored each station made all the planning worthwhile,” she said.
Richland Parish Library Programs Supervisor Zack Bowman worked closely with Poulos and representatives from each participating organization to coordinate presenters, schedules, and school visits. “It was a true team effort,” Bowman said, noting that Friends of Crowville’s leadership was key to bringing the partners together.
Richland Parish School Board representative Georgia Ineichen praised the collaboration that made the event possible. “Thanks to the Friends of Crowville and the Franklin Parish Library for doing this down in Franklin Parish and allowing us to copy what they did so very successfully,” she said. “I have to say it’s been just as successful in Richland as it was in Franklin. We also very much appreciate the cooperation of our school board, Riverfield Academy, and Delhi Charter School to allow the children to come here. It’s been a great learning experience for everybody.”
At the learning stations, LDCC faculty and students led activities in science, engineering, and technology. Students experimented with static electricity using balloons, built paper bridges to test structural strength, and created aluminum-foil boats to explore buoyancy.
Delhi Charter School’s state-champion robotics team was a highlight for many. Students used remote controls to maneuver robots around an arena, collecting foam balls as they went. Teacher Eric Vidrine encouraged students to imagine themselves on future robotics teams and explained how robotics can lead to careers in engineering and computer science. LifeShare Blood Center representatives introduced students to the concept of platelets and the basics of how blood clots.
LSU AgCenter staff demonstrated how germs spread using water and black pepper, then taught proper handwashing techniques using Glow Germ lotion and a black light. NELPCO representatives rounded out the experience with a station on electrical safety and the work of linemen. By the end of the program, hundreds of students had explored new ideas, tested their problem-solving skills, and discovered that STEM is not just a set of subjects—but a world of possibilities.
Thanks to the leadership of Friends of Crowville and the collaboration of community partners, STEMFest has quickly become one of the most engaging educational events in the parish.
