Soaring Toward Success

Story by Betsy O'Leary

It’s full S.T.E.A.M. ahead at the

Mixon-Clayton Foundation.

The Greenfield Missionary Baptist Church (GMBC) is a spiritual stronghold for Hammond’s African-American community. In 1999, the GMBC honored two former pastors for their leadership by establishing the Mixon-Clayton Bridge Builders Memorial Foundation (MC Foundation).

In creating the MC Foundation located at 902 West Coleman Avenue, the GMBC celebrated the work of Rev. W. M. Mixon and Rev. Nolan Clayton, whose community service and spiritual guidance contributed to many positive changes.

Leaders Expanding Original Mission

At a recent meeting with Tangi Lifestyles, the MC Foundation leaders shared exciting new developments to help our youth and adults create or augment a pathway to high-growth and high-demand careers. Becky Wells, the outreach coordinator and office manager, oversees the NASA Astro Camp Community Partner program, the urban community garden, healthy food preparation/nutrition program and assists with workforce development initiatives.

Program Manager Edwin René Soulé stressed that their goal is to improve residents’ quality of life through workforce development training and career exploration, designed to teach youth and adults the skills needed to land well-paying jobs. The MC Foundation started with the STEM approach and added an “A” to its acronym. Soulé referred to it as their STEAM program, expanding it to “Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math.” In addition, MC Foundation is a Business Incubator and has helped launch several local entrepreneurs’ businesses. Soule’ is a CLED Graduate from the SLU SBDC Business Center in Hammond.

The foundation introduces technology-based skills that are designed to lead youth toward a more successful path moving forward, including a 3D printing program taught by Blaine Paul Modica. The program utilizes six personal computers capable of 3D printing and teaches computer-aided design (CAD) to kids grades 6-12. Students are taught to create, modify, analyze, and organize designs for keychains, cups, and cardholders. They learn to determine measurements and dimensions using different spaces, sizes, layers, and designs. Basic CAD classes run each Monday and Wednesday from 5-7 p.m. and advanced CAD classes on Tuesday and Thursday from 5-7 p.m.

The Sky’s the Limit

James Johnson, drone instructor for MC Foundation, assisted by Erin Williams, Ret LTC US Army, are both pilots. Williams is a Certified Drone Instructor and Technical Advisor. They established its 25-member drone club. Johnson uses his knowledge as a pilot to teach drone club members about safety, FAA regulations they must follow, and how to fly the drones at the local airfield. As part of the Northshore STEM Coalition, they are a participant in STEM Cafes throughout the Parish. The next two of these are scheduled for October 5th and 19th. The drone club meets on on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5 to 7 pm.

Students can follow their passion for an aviation career! Drone club members can get their FAA license at age 16, and then at age 18, they are able to move into a lucrative aviation career without accruing college debts.

Grants and Private Donations Provide Funding

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the MC Foundation accepts donations of goods and services all of which are tax deductible. They especially need community members to volunteer to mentor the kids. Soulé noted that many Louisiana students and adults are functionally below average, which proves to be a huge barrier to gainful employment. The MC Foundation had summer reading programs for students in K-3rd grade and an annual Summer Reading Festival for kids 5-14. They offer early intervention services and hope to set up a satellite library in their educational building.