LiTHIUMLEARNS is proud to announce it has received a $25,000 donation from ExxonMobil to support its Mobile STEM Lab initiative. The Mobile STEM Lab will be used to educate students in K-12 school districts across South Arkansas about the Smackover Formation and the national importance of developing critical minerals found in this regional natural resource. Educators and industry partners will engage with students through interactive experiments that simulate chemical industry processes and highlight needed workforce skills to help build a talent pipeline for the region’s critical minerals industry.
The Mobile STEM Lab is expected to be complete in January 2026 and will begin visiting schools shortly thereafter. Procurement of the Mobile STEM Lab and additional laboratory equipment through the LiTHIUMLEARNS program will enhance hands-on training and workforce development delivered by Southern Arkansas University’s College of Science and Engineering.
“STEM education opens doors to new possibilities and fuels curiosity,” said Remi Loiseau, lithium area manager at ExxonMobil. “This collaboration with LiTHIUMLEARNS is a meaningful investment in Southwest Arkansas students, providing hands-on learning experiences and creating pathways to careers in emerging industries.”
“Our collaboration with ExxonMobil and its generous donation provides us with additional resources to invest in STEM education. The Mobile STEM Lab is going to generate such excitement among students.” said Sheryl Edwards, associate vice president for strategic initiatives at Southern Arkansas University and director of LiTHIUMLEARNS. “By bringing hands-on learning directly to schools, we can spark students’ interest in STEM careers and connect them to the future economic opportunities right here in our community.”
SAU President Dr. Bruno Hicks, a former middle school science teacher, is equally enthusiastic about the Mobile STEM Lab. “We are grateful for ExxonMobil’s support of the LiTHIUMLEARNS program and for their interest in supporting K-12 education. The Mobile STEM Lab is an excellent platform to teach young students about natural resources, sustainability, and critical mineral development in a fun environment.”
About LiTHIUMLEARNS
LiTHIUMLEARNS is an initiative of Southern Arkansas University funded by the State of Arkansas’ HIRED Grant program and is focused on creating a robust talent pipeline for Southwest Arkansas’ critical mineral industry. The program collaborates with industry partners, regional two-year colleges, K-12 school districts, and other agencies with a focus on STEM education, career and technical training, and workforce development.
