Over 70 Students Selected to attend ExxonMobil STEM Center
After announcing their partnership late last year, Spring ISD and ExxonMobil are taking the next steps in extending existing science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) programming in the district.
On Friday afternoon, a group of representatives from both the district and ExxonMobil traveled to all nine middle schools in Spring ISD to announce the students that had been selected to attend the Teen Engineering and Tech Center (TETCs) built by the oil and gas company. With more than 70 students selected to take part, these centers will allow students to get hands-on experience with STEM activities, as well as access to after-school programming, mentorships with ExxonMobil employees, healthy meals and snacks for students, transportation to and from the centers, and college admissions and financial aid assistance.
The center is geared towards high school students. The students selected to participate are all entering high school next year, when the center is projected to open in Fall 2024.
“This partnership is allowing Spring ISD to extend our already robust STEM offerings to our students,” Dr. Eric Tingle, Director of Strategic Innovation at Spring ISD, said. “ExxonMobil is providing our students access to top-of-the-line experiences and mentorships with real-world professionals in a way that hasn’t been seen before for our high school students. It’s sure to set up a foundation of learning and innovation that will affect our students far beyond their time here in Spring ISD.”
The Teen Engineering and Tech Center — located right outside the main ExxonMobil campus in Springwoods Village — features lounge spaces, flexible lab space, a maker space, a 3D printer room, and a “digital garage” that serves as a virtual reality lab.
Just last month, 11 middle school teachers from around the district were also selected to take part in another feature of the ExxonMobil partnership. Those teachers will take part in a program this summer at Texas A&M called Aggie STELLAR (STEM Teacher Education, Learning, Leadership and Resources). That program is spearheaded by the Texas A&M University Continuing Education and Professional Development Department and provides teachers with access to necessary resources, strategies and support to engage students in meaningful hands-on STEM learning experiences, and is paid for through a grant with the ExxonMobil Foundation.
Both programs are part of the partnership that has been in the works for a long time, stemming from the district’s strategic plan to continue to develop innovative programs and to work with community partners.
“Spring ISD is investing in our students, because we believe in them. ExxonMobil is investing in Spring ISD students as well, because they know we are home to the best and brightest,” Superintendent Lupita Hinojosa said. “I know that our students will take advantage of this incredible opportunity and learn a lot.”
Source: Spring ISD
