NTCC WELCOMES TARYN SPIKES-WEBB AS EPA-FUNDED OUTREACH PROGRAM MANAGER TO LEAD ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION INITIATIVES

Lacombe, LA — Northshore Technical Community College (NTCC) is excited to announce Taryn Spikes-Webb as its new Outreach Program Manager. The position is funded through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as part of the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Restoration Program, which is administered by the University of New Orleans (UNO) Research and Technology Foundation.

This EPA-supported initiative focuses on restoring the ecological health of the Lake Pontchartrain Basin through restoration projects and public education. As a subrecipient of this grant, NTCC will lead innovative outreach programs to educate Northshore residents on the proper care and maintenance of onsite wastewater treatment systems (OWTS), helping protect public health and improve water quality across the region. NTCC’s efforts are strengthened through partnerships with Pontchartrain Conservancy, St. Tammany Parish Mosquito Abatement, and Nova Southeastern University.

Taryn brings six years of experience at NTCC, where she discovered her passion for STEM/STEAM education and outreach. She is the founder of the Washington Parish STEM & Innovative Learning Center, a nonprofit dedicated to creating hands-on learning opportunities for youth. Her favorite podcast, STEM Everyday, reflects her commitment to making STEM accessible and engaging for all ages.

“I’m thrilled to lead this initiative,” said Spikes. “Environmental education is critical to the health of our communities and waterways. Through creative outreach and collaboration, we can inspire action and provide the tools people need to make a difference.”

In her new role, Taryn will:

• Develop and implement educational programs using NTCC’s Mobile STEM Lab and campus resources.
• Engage schools, municipalities, and community organizations through workshops, events, and hands-on learning.
• Create outreach campaigns and resources to raise awareness about wastewater management and sustainability.
• Manage EPA grant activities, ensuring compliance and reporting outcomes to stakeholders.

Taryn looks forward to continuing her mission of sparking curiosity and building knowledge in STEM education, while pursuing her doctorate in STEM/STEAM education next year.

For more information or to learn about NTCC’s environmental outreach programs, visit northshorecollege.edu.

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