Oasis of Hope Louisiana

Oasis of Hope Louisiana, a 501c3 non-profit organization, sponsors a STEAM literacy program for K-college that combine outreach (planned activities and direct communication with community based groups) orientations, and follow-ups for students in Caddo and Bossier Parishes. This project focuses on developing strong student support systems that include mentoring, advising, and counseling, to be an essential component in student success.

Retention experts, Astin (1984) and Tinto (1993), both agree that when students develop a close relationship with role models and have adequate skills, they are more likely to persist to graduation. Using the latest technology, the Project impacts academic /non-academic variables that interfere with the student's ability to learn, achieve, and adjust to the school environment.

This STEAM Project "It Starts With Me" offers opportunities to help students develop "inclination" - that is, gain the knowledge and perspective required to get into and through college. Children do better in college and later in life if they can begin to prepare for their careers early. With encouragement and exposure to different fields of study, they can begin that preparation as early as grade school if they find an area of study that interests them.

This program encourages students to stay in school to develop to their full potential, promote STEAM (science, technology, engineering , arts, and math) education, develop workforce skills and enhance personal development to successfully participate in society and improve their communities. Notably, Oasis of Hope Louisiana is designed to increase student interest and academic achievement in STEAM disciplines.

The Project aims to:
1. Increase citizenship and civic awareness
2. Improve, advance and enrich student learning while advancing students' interest in STEAM
3. Motivate students to achieve their core competencies needed to pursue a career or degree in STEAM fields
4. Provide activities that support student application of in and out of classroom STEAM knowledge to real-life applications