The lesson encourages students to research the science behind carbon capture before forming their own opinions about the technology. (Doris Maricle / American Press)Education leaders, teachers and industry partners gathered at Sowela Technical Community College’s Oakdale campus Monday to celebrate an expanded partnership with ExxonMobil that is funding STEM education, teacher training and workforce development across southwest Louisiana. Nelson said investments in STEM education help build the workforce needed as economic development accelerates across the state. He pointed to dual-enrollment programs that allow high school students to attend SOWELA while earning credit in fields such as electrical work, welding and instrumentation. Projects developed during the camp explored topics including artificial intelligence, carbon capture and storage, and computer algorithms.