NGO Funding Request


The recipient entity's full legal name:  Foundation for Science and Mathematics Education, Inc

The recipient entity's physical address:
           2011 Bienville Street, New Orleans, LA 70112

The recipient entity's mailing address (if different):
           2011 Bienville Street, New Orleans, LA 70112

Type of Entity (for instance, a nonprofit corporation):  Non-Profit Corporation

If the entity is a corporation, list the names of the incorporators:
          

The last four digits of the entity's taxpayer ID number:  7170

What is the dollar amount of the request?  $50,000

What type of request is this?  General Appropriation

Is this entity in good standing with the Secretary of State?  Yes

Provide the name of each member of the recipient entity's governing board and officers:
           Dr. Monique Cola
Head of School, New Orleans Charter Science & Math High School
1614 Kerlerec Street, New Orleans, LA 70116

Andrea Adams
President, Foundation for Science and Mathematics Education
330 1st Street, Saint Rose, LA 70087

Melvenia M. Martin, Ph.D. - FSME Board President
Education Outreach & Community and Public Affairs, Ochsner Health System
930 Poydras Street, New Orleans, LA 70112

Warren Atkins, 1st Vice President
Dual Enrollment and Internship Coordinator, New Orleans Charter Science & Math High School
673 North Galvez Street, New Orleans, LA 70119

Tim Finn, Treasurer
Vice President - Commercial Banking, First Horizon
2342 Saint Thomas Street, New Orleans, LA 70130

Carla L. Major, PHR, SHRM-CP
Human Resources & Professional Development, Delgado Community College
4477 Franklin Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70122

Sheena Diggs
Occupational Therapist, LCMC Health
108 Bocage Drive, Luling, LA 70070

Pierre Hollins
Founder/ CEO, Rooted Ones
421 Coles Ldg, La Place, LA 70068

Danielle Richard
Science Teacher, New Orleans Charter Science & Math High School
3301 West Esplanade, Apt. 1013C, Metairie, LA 70002

Dr. Lynette Causey
Clinical Psychologist, Retired
7131 Lake Willow Drive, New Orleans, LA 70126

Monique Perrilloux
CEO & Realtor, EMP Enterprises
184 Villere Drive, Destrehan, LA 70047


Provide a summary of the project or program:
           History & Mission:
The New Orleans Charter Science & Mathematics High School (Sci High) is an open-admissions public charter school. Founded in 1993 by faculty members at Tulane University School of Medicine and Southern University at New Orleans who recognized science and math education as a vehicle for engaging students toward college and career success, Sci High has changed the expectations of what low-income students can achieve, particularly in STEM education, through rigorous curriculum in a supportive environment of learning and respect.

Sci High emerges from an elite group of STEM schools explicitly focusing on serving students from low-income families and underserved areas. With graduation rates over 80% and an exceptional performance score, it is recognized as one of the highest-performing open-admissions high schools in the city. It is currently ranked at 8,125 in national rankings and 93rd among Louisiana High Schools.

The Foundation for Science and Mathematics Education (FSME), a 501(c)(3) organization, raises capital to provide crucial financial support for Sci High, bridging financial gaps and allowing for the delivery of high-quality STEM education to all students.

The Sci High Student Body:
We welcome students from all backgrounds in the greater New Orleans area to Sci High, including socio-economically disadvantaged students. Last year, there were 608 students enrolled in grades 9-12, with a student-to-teacher ratio of 16:1. The student body is 54% African American, 37% Latinx, 3% Caucasian, and overwhelmingly low-income — over 85% of students qualified for the federal Free/Reduced Lunch program and 9% were experiencing homelessness. In addition, Sci High’s robust special education program serves 23% of the student body.

Issue Statement:
Sci High addresses the absence of superior education and CTE workforce training that matches the needs of a growing STEM industry. STEM fields are some of the top industries in New Orleans, and STEM occupations in Louisiana are projected to grow. This STEM boom creates high-earning employment opportunities. According to ZipRecruiter, as of 2026, STEM salaries in New Orleans pay $123,000+, surpassing the median earnings for full-time, year-round workers aged 25 and older in other professional occupations. Comparatively, the current median annual household income in Orleans Parish is $56,000.
Request Summary:
FSME requests $50,000 in state funding to expand STEM education, workforce development, and student success programming at Sci High. The program prepares New Orleans students for postsecondary education and high-demand careers in Louisiana by combining hands-on STEM instruction, real-world work experience, and individualized college and career support, with clear accountability for results.
STEM Education:
State funds will equip classrooms with the laboratory supplies, robotics and engineering materials, science kits, and computer-based instructional resources students need to learn by doing. These tools move instruction beyond the textbook, giving students regular opportunities to design, build, test, and solve problems. Professional development for teachers, program staff, and administrators will strengthen STEM instructional practice and technology integration, so that improvements in teaching quality continue to benefit students well beyond the grant period.
Workforce Development:
The program connects classroom learning to Louisiana's economy. Funding will support paid student internships, workforce readiness training, preparation for industry-based certifications, career development workshops, and employer engagement. Students will gain practical workplace experience, build employability skills, and develop relationships with employers in high-demand fields, creating clear pathways from high school into careers that strengthen Louisiana's future workforce.


What is the budget relative to the project for which funding is requested?:
          Salaries. . . . . . . . . . . . . $0
          Professional Services. . . $8,500
          Contracts . . . . . . . . . . . $70,000
          Acquisitions . . . . . . . . . $0
          Major Repairs . . . . . . . $30,000
          Operating Services. . . . $15,000
          Other Charges. . . . . . . $0

Does your organization have any outstanding audit issues or findings?  No

If 'Yes' is your organization working with the appropriate governmental agencies to resolve those issues or findings?
          Not Applicable

What is the entity's public purpose, sought to be achieved through the use of state monies?
          This investment delivers a direct public return: Louisiana students who are better prepared for college, credentialed and experienced for the workplace, and ready to fill high-demand jobs in the state. By strengthening STEM teaching, expanding work-based learning, and holding the program accountable for measurable student outcomes, Sci High will help build a skilled, homegrown workforce that supports Louisiana's long-term economic growth.
FSME will measure participation and outcomes throughout the program, including student engagement in STEM coursework, internship completion, certification preparation, and postsecondary and career readiness. Evaluation and reporting activities will track student outcomes and document the impact of the state's investment. Partial salary support for FSME's President and Development Associate will ensure strong program leadership, coordination with school administration and community partners, accurate expenditure tracking, grant compliance, and timely reporting. Salary allocations will be supported by documented time spent on grant-funded activities. Modest operating support will cover program-related costs such as educational software, printing, communications, and transportation coordination.


What are the goals and objectives for achieving such purpose?
          -Sustain and strengthen STEM educational programming through instructional resources and operational support.
-Increase access to career exploration, internships, and workforce development opportunities.
-Support student readiness for postsecondary education, industry-based certifications, and employment.
-Provide essential program coordination and student support services to improve educational engagement and achievement.
-Monitor program participation, expenditures, and student outcomes to demonstrate responsible stewardship of state funding.


What is the proposed length of time estimated by the entity to accomplish the purpose?
           7/1/2027 - 6/30/2028

If any elected or appointed state official or an immediate family member of such an official is an officer, director, trustee, or employee of the recipient entity who receives compensation or holds any ownership interest therein:
     (a) If an elected or appointed state official, the name and address of the official and the office held by such person:
                 Not Applicable
    
     (b) If an immediate family member of an elected or appointed state official, the name and address of such person; the name, address, and office of the official to whom the person is related; and the nature of the relationship:
                 Not Applicable

     (c) The percentage of the official's or immediate family member's ownership interest in the recipient entity, if any:
                 Not Applicable

     (d) The position, if any, held by the official or immediate family member in the recipient entity:
                  Not Applicable

If the recipient entity has a contract with any elected or appointed state official or an immediate family member of such an official or with the state or any political subdivision of the state:
(a) If the contract is with an elected or appointed state official, provide the name and address of the official and the office held by such person: 
               Not Applicable

(b) If the contract is with an immediate family member of an elected or appointed state official:
          Provide the name and address of such person:
               Not Applicable

          Provide the name, address, and office of the official to whom the person is related:
                Not Applicable

          What is the nature of the relationship?  Not Applicable

(c) If the contract is with the state or a political subdivision of the state, provide the name and address of the state entity or political subdivision of the state:
                 Not Applicable

(d) The nature of the contract, including a description of the goods or services provided or to be provided pursuant to the contract:
               Not Applicable


Contact Information
name:  Andrea Adams 
                                       address:  2011 Bienville Street, New Orleans, LA 70112
                                       phone:  3372511266
                                       fax:  504-459-2602
                                       e-mail:  awilliams@nolafsme.org
                                       relationship to entity:  President, FSME