LNESC and Marathon Oil Expand Partnership for Middle School Science Corps Program in San Antonio, Texas
(PRWEB) March 19, 2015 -- The Science Corps program, a partnership of LULAC National Educational Service Centers Inc. (LNESC) and Marathon Oil Corporation continues in San Antonio, Texas. LNESC and Marathon Oil expand their partnership this year to serve students at Terrell Wells Middle School and Kingsborough Middle School.
The Science Corps program is an after-school middle school program that encourages students’ interest in STEM fields by exposing real world STEM applications and problems through an interactive after-school curriculum. Students are exposed to over 100 hours of STEM focused curriculum encompassing STEM oriented careers, projects related to physics and engineering, conservation and energy, polymer science, ocean floor mapping, oil viscosity, and water quality.
“Through our partnership with Marathon Oil, students are able to engage in STEM-focused activities that allow them to further develop their problem solving and critical thinking skills. This opportunity encourages students to pursue a post-secondary education while preparing them for a STEM oriented career,” said Eloisa Kirkwood, Director LNESC San Antonio.
With an estimated 3 million STEM jobs currently unfilled, there is a need to increase student interest in technical careers. The program’s specialized curriculum boosts math and science skills in female and minority participants and encourages them to prepare to graduate from high school, enroll in a STEM-related field postsecondary program, and pursue a STEM-related career.
“At Marathon Oil, we have a clear focus on educational initiatives that help students develop a strong STEM base,” said Tim Fischer, Marathon Oil Manager of Diversity and HR Business Planning. “By partnering with LNESC and the administrators and teachers at Terrell Middle School and Kingsborough Middle School, we’re seeing students who we hope will be our future employees, and developing curiosity about STEM that will be critical to our future success.”
“Our program impacts Latino youth, the fastest growing demographic in the U.S. While Latinos make up only 5.3 percent of the STEM workforce in the U.S., LNESC is committed to engaging and fostering interest in the STEM fields by effectively preparing young people for the jobs of the new economy,” said Richard Roybal, Executive Director of LNESC.
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LULAC National Educational Service Centers, Inc. (LNESC) was established in 1973 by the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) to provide educational programming to high-need students throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Throughout 14 education and technology centers, LNESC has served over 500,000 students, sent 150,000 students on to college, and awarded nearly $20 million in scholarships. LNESC’s results are made possible by a network of dedicated field staff, top-notch teachers, over 90 school partners, and the support of LULAC - the nation’s largest membership based Latino organization. LNESC works to change lives and build Latino communities, one student at a time. More information about LNESC and its programs can be found at http://www.LNESC.org.
Marathon Oil Corporation (NYSE: MRO) is a global exploration and production company. Based in Houston, Texas, the Company has activity in North America, Europe and Africa. Marathon Oil has a history of operational success rooted in Living Our Values – a philosophy encompassing long-standing commitments to health and safety, environmental stewardship, honesty and integrity, community partnerships and a results-focused culture.
Sara Melton, LULAC National Educational Service Centers, http://www.LNESC.org, 202-835-9646, [email protected]
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