RWE Americas Invests in Tri-Parish Youth STEAM Programming Through Southern University Ag Center Partnership
Baton Rouge, La. – Representatives from RWE Americas, a global energy company with major operations in renewable energy, electricity generation, and energy trading, joined SU Ag Center faculty and staff on August 19, 2026, at the Matthews Center for Innovation and Disaster Recovery at Southern University for a check presentation and special discussion highlighting the partnership. The event focused on the shared commitment of both organizations to creating opportunities for youth through education, community investment, and workforce development.
The partnership developed from the inaugural St. Helena Parish STEAM Expo, coordinated by SU Ag Center Parish Youth Agent Dr. Charity Schaffer. Held in February 2026, the Expo provided approximately 300 students from St. Helena Parish with access to hands-on STEAM education, career exploration, and representatives from educational institutions, community organizations, and industry.
For RWE Americas, supporting the initiative closely aligned with the company’s commitment to the communities where it operates. Adriana Quiroga, senior associate for Community Engagement, explained that supporting the initiative was an easy decision for RWE because youth workforce development is the company’s “bread and butter,” making the opportunity to invest in young people and their future an initiative the company was fully prepared to support.
Building upon the success of the Expo, RWE Americas committed $10,000 to support continued youth programming across St. Helena, Tangipahoa, and Washington Parishes. The investment will help expand opportunities for students to engage in agriculture, drone technology, precision agriculture, renewable energy, engineering, and other STEAM-related experiences while increasing their exposure to educational and career pathways.
The partnership reflects the SU Ag Center’s continued efforts to connect youth development with workforce preparation, particularly in rural communities. Through hands-on programming and industry partnerships, students are introduced to emerging technologies, career fields, and the skills needed to participate in Louisiana’s evolving workforce.
Dr. Robert Easly Jr., Director of Advancement for the SU Ag Center, led a conversation with RWE Americas representatives Quiroga, Marcus Gann and Rory Simington, along with Schaffer. The discussion highlighted the importance of community investment, collaboration, and providing young people with meaningful opportunities to explore careers connected toagriculture, technology, and emerging industries.
The event also recognized RWE Americas' support as part of Southern University’s Are You In campaign, a fundraising initiative designed to encourage individuals, businesses, alumni, and community partners to invest in the continued growth and impact of the Southern University System. The campaign reinforces that supporting Southern can take many forms, from financial contributions to partnerships that provide expertise, resources, and opportunities for the communities the University serves.
Schaffer echoed that message while encouraging others to consider how they can contribute to the SU Ag Center’s youth development efforts.
“Support doesn’t always have to look the same. It can be financial, but it can also mean sharing your expertise, volunteering your time, providing resources, or simply opening a door for a young person to experience something new,” said Schaffer. “RWE Americas is a great example of what can happen when an organization says, ‘We’re in,’ and backs that commitment with action,” she added.
Through the collaboration, the SU Ag Center and RWE Americas are helping create a stronger connection between education, industry, and community development while expanding opportunities for youth from St. Helena, Tangipahoa, and Washington Parish to envision themselves as part of the future workforce.
The partnership represents another step toward ensuring that young people in rural Louisiana have access to the experiences, resources, and career exposure necessary to prepare for opportunities in agriculture, technology, renewable energy, and related industries.
