Last week the IPAA Energy Workforce Education Center’s Virtual Exploring Energy Program relaunched into high schools around the country. Now in its second year, this program is free to students and educators and its mission is to empower and encourage them to delve into the energy industry and its many career fields through a variety of video showcases, virtual tours, and virtual visits to classrooms by respected professionals. This program was developed in response to educators nationwide reaching out to us for support from our industry concerning career development.
In its inaugural year, the Exploring Energy Program welcomed more than 4,000 students from 12 states and territories including: Alaska, California, Georgia, Guam, Kentucky, Louisiana, Ohio, Oklahoma, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia. Over the past week, the program has had interest from multiple educators across six states including California, Kentucky, Louisiana, Pennsylvania, Texas, West Virginia and Wyoming, with more being added regularly.
“Because of our longstanding relationships with both educators and industry professionals our Foundation is uniquely positioned to help both tomorrow’s energy professionals and our industry, said Barry Russell, Co-Chairman, IPAA Energy Workforce Education Advisory Board and President and CEO, Independent Petroleum Association of America. “Recently, we expanded our scope and began working together with renewable energy companies to provide students with information about all forms of energy and in doing so empowering them to make an informed decision about their bright futures. We believe that access to this information should be free and encourage a variety of incentives for educators and students to get involved.”
“For many years we have explored expanding our programs to reach more educators and students at a national level. We now have the technology and expertise to provide high quality programs that will encourage high school students to explore energy career opportunities in an exciting and meaningful way,” said Galen Cobb, Co-Chairman, IPAA Energy Workforce Education Advisory Board and Vice President of Industry Relations, Halliburton.
“Supporting educators and students around the country is a key priority for our industry,” said Leslie Beyer, Energy Workforce & Technology Council CEO. “Helping young people see what the energy industry is really doing can inspire them to pursue STEM education opportunities and become the critical next generation energy workforce we need to continue to thrive.”
Energy industry employees interested in getting more involved can contact Sarah Hewitt for more information. Companies that would like to sponsor the program and provide content for tomorrow’s energy leaders, can view sponsorship opportunities here.
The IPAA Energy Workforce Education Center appreciates the support of the program’s Premier Sponsors: Occidental, BHP, ConocoPhillips, and Marathon Oil.
