The following article ran in the Fall 2014 edition of PESA News.
From early childhood education programs to secondary and higher education STEM programs, Energy Educators helps PESA member companies channel member resources and knowledge, promote the industry with an aim to attract new talent and positively influence public opinion.
Renewed Commitment to Education
One of PESA’s most significant commitments to STEM education is through the IPAA/PESA Education Center. As part of this program, PESA membership supports four petroleum academies in Houston and Ft. Worth, as well as the Energy Institute High school (EIHS) in Houston.
This year, PESA renewed its commitment to the IPAA/PESA Education Center in the amount of $150,000 each year through 2020. This significant level of support will allow us to continue funding the petroleum academies and EIHS.
[singlepic id=1088 w=300 h= float=left]Energy Institute High School
PESA participated in the Guest Lecturer Series on September 3 at EIHS. The goal of the guest lecturer series is to provide students the ability to make more informed career choices in the areas of math, science and the emerging technology concepts available in our industry.
During the school year, industry professionals volunteer to share the vast career opportunities that are available within the petroleum industry. PESA President Leslie Beyer and DistributionNOW Vice President of Marketing & Business Development Brad Wise presented to the freshman class. Leslie spoke to the class about developing a career in the energy industry and the opportunities created by STEM education at the high school level. Brad gave an overview of supply chain and led the class in an interactive role play.
[singlepic id=1104 w=300 h= float=left]Alumni Mixers
The first Petroleum Academy class is graduating from college in May 2015. In an effort to place these students with member company job opportunities, two mixers were planned for IPAA and PESA HR professionals, Petroleum Academy graduates and current academy seniors.
OTC Award
The Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) announced the 2015 beneficiary of the Annual OTC Dinner—the IPAA and PESA Energy Education Center for the benefit of EIHS.
“The OTC Dinner Executive Advisory Board’s aim is to make a difference in people’s lives,” says Kevin McEvoy, CEO of Oceaneering, PESA Board Member, and Chair of 2015 Annual OTC Dinner Executive Advisory Board. “The Board selected this year’s charity because of its strong commitment to advance STEM education through hands-on, project-based learning with a specific focus on the energy industry.”
IPAA and PESA partnered with the Houston Independent School District to create the first Energy Institute High School in the United States. Opened in August 2013, the Energy Institute is a new magnet school in HISD for grades 9–12. Students work within one of the three pathways—geosciences, energy alternatives, and offshore technology.
“It is through the contribution of corporations, like those involved with the Annual OTC Dinner, that the IPAA/PESA Energy Education Center is able to support the educational initiatives at the Energy Institute High School,” explains Galen Cobb, Chairman of the IPAA/PESA Petroleum Academy Advisory Board.
“The IPAA/PESA Energy Education Center and the Energy Institute High School are committed to bringing students an innovative and fresh perspective into the world of energy and developing the next generation of talented energy professionals. Establishing a new program of this size is monumental and along with the rewards brings sizable challenges. This award allows us to further enhance the program while continuing to provide ground-breaking project-based STEM education,” says Leslie Beyer.
[singlepic id=1138 w=300 h= float=left]Sporting Clays Tournament
Thank you to all the participants in our 2014 Energy Educators Tournament. Proceeds from this event help support all of the efforts mentioned in this article in addition to college scholarships for graduating seniors of the Petroleum Academies.
