Energy companies are helping power Louisiana’s future far beyond the plant gates

From classrooms in Baton Rouge to startup incubators in the Bayou Region, global energy leaders are investing in Louisiana’s next generation of engineers, teachers, entrepreneurs and innovators. Companies like ExxonMobil, Shell, and Chevron are supporting hands-on STEM education, workforce training pipelines and small business accelerators that are shaping the state’s economic future.

Here’s a closer look at how these companies help Louisiana students and entrepreneurs thrive.

ExxonMobil: Building the STEM & Workforce Pipeline
In Louisiana, ExxonMobil’s community investments focus heavily on strengthening the education-to-workforce pipeline.

Tapia STEM Camps

ExxonMobil sponsors Tapia STEM Camps, immersive, project-based summer programs designed to spark interest in science, technology, engineering and math among middle and high school students. Hosted in partnership with institutions such as Southern University and A&M College, these camps often explore real-world energy topics like carbon capture and engineering design challenges.

The company also supports professional development STEM programs for educators, helping teachers bring hands-on learning back to their own classrooms.

Scholarships & University Partnerships

Through partnerships with Louisiana State University and other institutions, ExxonMobil funds scholarships, engineering initiatives and diversity-focused programs that expand access to high-demand careers.

Internships & Career Exposure

ExxonMobil also invests in high school internships and paid craft training programs, giving students early exposure to industrial careers and technical pathways that are critical to Louisiana’s economy.

One key example is the North Baton Rouge Industrial Training Initiative (NBRITI), a free workforce training program designed to prepare residents for high-demand industrial careers. NBRITI provides fast-tracked classroom and hands-on training in electrical, instrumentation, millwright, pipefitting, process technology and welding — all at no cost to qualifying students.

Graduates earn nationally recognized construction certifications through NCCER (National Center for Construction Education and Research) and industry-recognized credentials from the American Welding Society. Students enrolled in the process technology pathway also receive a Certificate of Technical Studies: Process Technology Support Technician from Baton Rouge Community College.

Programs like NBRITI demonstrate how industry partnerships can remove financial barriers, create access to opportunity and build a skilled workforce ready to support Louisiana’s growing industrial and energy sectors.

Shell: Supporting STEM & Small Business Growth
Shell’s Louisiana initiatives combine STEM education with entrepreneurial support.

Shell STEM Showdown

Through events like the Shell STEM Showdown, hosted in partnership with institutions such as the University of New Orleans, K–12 students work in teams to solve engineering and science challenges. These competitions introduce students to real-world applications of STEM skills and potential energy careers.

Shell LiveWire Louisiana

Shell also operates Shell LiveWire Louisiana, a free business accelerator program designed to help entrepreneurs grow and scale their companies. Participants receive one-on-one coaching, networking opportunities, and business training that equips them for long-term success.

LiveWire alumni span industries from retail to healthcare services, contributing to diversified economic growth across the state.

Chevron: Investing in Classrooms & Community Entrepreneurs

Chevron’s Louisiana efforts focus on hands-on STEM engagement and strengthening local entrepreneurship ecosystems.

STEM Fests & Classroom Grants

Chevron sponsors STEM Fest events that give students opportunities to explore robotics, coding and emerging technologies. The company has also supported classroom innovation through its Fuel Your School grants, helping teachers fund STEM supplies and projects that bring science and math to life.

Entrepreneur & Incubator Support

Chevron has provided funding to initiatives like the Bayou Region Incubator and entrepreneurship centers at Nicholls State University, helping small businesses and student founders access mentoring, co-working space and business development resources.

These investments strengthen regional economies while creating pathways for homegrown innovation.

Powering More Than Energy

Across Louisiana, energy companies are helping prepare students for high-demand careers, equipping teachers with STEM tools, and empowering entrepreneurs to launch and grow businesses.

These efforts reflect a broader understanding: Louisiana’s future depends not just on energy production, but on education, workforce readiness and small business innovation. As the state continues to grow its industrial and energy sectors, partnerships between industry, universities, schools and entrepreneurs will remain essential to ensuring opportunity reaches every parish.