Houston, Texas (PRWEB) November 19, 2014 -- Launched in 1994, the LNESC Shell Science Corps program, a partnership of LULAC National Education Service Centers Inc. (LNESC) and Shell continues in Houston, TX and expands partnership to Kermit, TX.
Latino middle school students at five Houston Independent School District campuses meet two hours each week for hands-on laboratory work, technology instruction and off campus field trips as part of a work plan designed to encourage them to pursue STEM related courses in high school and college.
Along with Houston, LNESC and Shell expand their partnership this year to a sixth campus in Kermit, TX.
“Kermit ISD is proud to announce their partnership with Shell and LNESC in bringing a STEM program to Kermit Junior High and our students. We are excited to give our students an opportunity to experience subject matter outside an instructional setting and provide inspiration to pursue STEM related careers post-graduation. By teaming up, we will further engage, motivate and inspire our youth to engage in areas that hold the promise of future employment and economic success,” said Gabe Espino, Principal for Kermit Junior High School.
Students make significant gains in problem solving, following procedures, independent thinking, and critical thinking skills as a result of the problem. Skills gained are attributed to group collaboration with teacher guidance and encouragement to use their own knowledge and skills while following procedures. Student comprehension of the importance of STEM fields increases as they learn a variety of jobs and careers available in the STEM area.
“Our program targets Latinos, the fastest growing demographic in the U.S., so that we can increase the number of STEM career professions among Latinos and better serve their communities while also helping the U.S. remain competitive in the global marketplace,” said Richard Roybal, Executive Director of LNESC.
“Shell is proud to partner with LNESC and Kermit ISD to support student retention and success in STEM fields,” said Nancy Tootle. “We also recognize that teachers need access to award winning programs aligned with the State of Texas curriculum standards. We have been a sponsor of LNESC programs in Houston for 11 years and we have seen the positive improvements in test scores. The parents of LNESC children are proud of their accomplishments and we are too.”
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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.
Shell Oil Company
Shell Oil Company is an affiliate of the Royal Dutch Shell plc, a global group of energy and petrochemical companies with 93,000 employees in more than 90 countries. In the U.S., Shell operates in 50 states and employs nearly 20,000 people working to help tackle the challenges of the new energy future. Shell Oil Company is a leading oil and gas producer in the deepwater Gulf of Mexico, a recognized pioneer in oil and gas exploration and production technology and one of America’s leading oil and natural gas producers, gasoline and natural gas marketers and petrochemical manufacturers.
For more information visit http://www.shell.us/
Jossie Flor Sapunar, LULAC, http://www.LULAC.org/news/pr, 202-491-9388, [email protected]
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