RESERVE — More than 100 area children took a day off of summer vacation and spent this week sharpening their STEM — science, technology, engineer and math — skills.

“We want to prepare these kids to compete, not with Baton Rouge, New Orleans or even Louisiana, but the world,” Dr. Calvin Mackie said. “We want them to able to compete in this 21st century world.”

Mackie, who founded STEM NOLA to expose, inspire and engage youths in STEM opportunities, presented Monday’s program at REGALA Gym in Reserve.

St. John Grants Administrator Myra Alexis Valentine said the inaugural workshop was a true success.

“We look forward to hosting the workshop for many years to come,” she said.

The United Way Foundation funded the workshop, which taught participants about Newton’s Laws of Motion and how they apply to automobiles.

Participants received Certificates of Achievement from Raising Cane’s for a free meal. Parish officials said the help of the St. John Parish Public School System, Marathon, DuPont and Cargill made the event possible.