In this episode of the BRSTEM podcast, Eric Lewis interviews Corinthia Lee Jones, the founder of Grace Haven, a non-profit organization aimed at providing support and a nurturing environment for children and youth in need. Corinthia shares her personal journey, the inspiration behind Grace Haven, and the importance of love, mentorship, and educational support in helping children grow and thrive. The conversation explores the challenges faced by today's youth, the need for change in the education system, and the significance of providing a safe haven for children to develop their potential.

Why do so many students dread high school chemistry before they even step into the classroom? In this solo episode of the BRSTEM Podcast, we dive into the "stigma of fear" surrounding chemistry and how we can dismantle it by starting early with hands-on engagement.

Our Executive Director, Eric Lewis, shares our teams recent experiences conducting Chemical Reaction workshops with our partner schools, where we’ve seen firsthand how curiosity replaces intimidation when students are given the freedom to experiment. To show you how easy it is to bring this magic home, I also walk through the classic Lava Lamp demonstration—a perfect example of a "kitchen table lab" that is budget-friendly, safe, and visually stunning.

In this episode of the BRSTEM podcast, host Eric Lewis engages in a heartfelt conversation with is guest and brother Marcus about their upbringing, community involvement, and the challenges facing young people today. They reflect on their childhood experiences growing up in a large family, the values instilled by their parents, and the importance of community support. Marcus, who has risen to the position of Vice President of Funeral Operations, shares insights from his career in the funeral industry, emphasizing the need for empathy and connection with families during their most difficult times. The brothers discuss the critical role of mentorship and the impact of positive male figures in the lives of young men, particularly those from single-parent households.
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​The conversation also touches on the societal issues of violence and the need for community engagement to provide hope and guidance to youth. They highlight the importance of instilling values such as respect, accountability, and the power of dreams in young people.
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​The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to become more involved in their communities and support the next generation, emphasizing that every child deserves roots and wings to thrive in life.

In this episode of the BRSTEM podcast, host Eric Lewis engages with Jasmin Johnson, the Executive Director of the Baton Rouge Area Youth Network, to explore the critical role of youth development in the community. Jasmin emphasizes that youth support should be viewed as essential infrastructure rather than a mere service. With over a decade of experience in bridging gaps between schools, nonprofits, and stakeholders, she discusses the importance of collaboration and system improvement in creating effective out-of-school programs for young people in Baton Rouge. The conversation delves into the challenges faced in the youth development sector, particularly the tendency to treat these initiatives as optional rather than essential, and the need for a proactive approach to funding and support.

In this episode of the BR STEM Podcast, Eric Lewis interviews Vikki Lee, the owner of Rosebud Healthcare and Training. Vikki shares her journey as an entrepreneur and healthcare advocate, detailing the various entities under Rosebud, including a CNA training academy and a group home for boys. The conversation explores the challenges faced by young people in the community, the importance of mentorship, and the holistic support provided by Rosebud to empower youth. Vikki emphasizes the need for community involvement and the significance of providing a solid foundation for young people to thrive in their future endeavors.

In this introductory episode of Season 2 of the BRSTEM Podcast, Eric B. Lewis, the Executive Director and Founder of Baton Rouge STEM, discusses the mission of the organization, which focuses on providing youth with foundational skills in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) while also empowering them to reach their full potential. He shares his personal journey from engineering to education, the launch of Baton Rouge STEM, and the importance of community collaboration in youth development. The podcast aims to bring in guests from various sectors to share insights and strategies for supporting young people.

We’re back, and we’ve officially leveled up. After a short break to revamp, refine, and polish our sound, the first episode of Season 2 of Our Children Need Roots and Wisdom premiers Monday January 5th!

CSEducation Hero and STEM Educator, Courtney Hunt discusses her career and journey to becoming a STEM educator.