KEY TAKEAWAYS: STEM NOLA will host its free Rocket Day event July 11 at the LSU New Orleans Lakefront Arena. K-12 students will build and launch model rockets while learning STEM principles through hands-on activities. Industry partners and STEM professionals will help students explore enginee ring and aerospace concepts. STEM NOLA is seeking volunteers, with undergraduate college students eligible for a $50 stipend.   STEM NOLA will host its annual Rocket Day on July 11 at the LSU New Orleans Lakefront Arena, offering a free hands-on STEM education event designed to introduce K-12 students to engineering and aerospace concepts. The event, scheduled from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., will allow students to design, build and launch model rockets while learning about aerodynamics, gravity, thrust and propulsion through interactive activities. According to STEM NOLA, Rocket Day is intended to encourage student interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics while providing opportunities to learn from STEM professionals and industry experts. “We are excited to give students the chance to experience STEM education in such a dynamic and engaging way,” said Calvin Mackie, founder and CEO of STEM NOLA. “Rocket Day is a celebration of curiosity, exploration, and the boundless potential of our next generation of innovators. We can’t wait to see the sparks of inspiration fly as these students learn and create.” In addition to student participation, STEM NOLA is recruiting STEM professionals and college students to volunteer at the event. The organization said undergraduate volunteers will receive a $50 stipend. Participation is free, but advance registration is required because space is limited. Founded by Mackie, STEM NOLA provides hands-on science, technology, engineering and mathematics programming for K-12 students. The organization said its national initiative, STEM Global Action, expands those workforce development programs to communities across the United States with the goal of preparing more students for careers in STEM fields. ...read more read less