CITGO Awards Scholarships to Spring Branch ISD Students Pursuing STEM Degrees
HOUSTON, September 7, 2017 /3BL Media/ - CITGO Petroleum Corporation is providing 15 high school graduates from Spring Branch Independent School District (ISD) with scholarships that will help them pursue degrees in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) at four-year accredited universities. CITGO also awarded STEM scholarships to Alief and Houston ISD graduates this spring to help foster academic excellence in STEM among Houston-area students.
“CITGO plays an integral role in shaping the next generation of STEM professionals by instilling the passion and knowledge each student needs to excel in college and beyond,” said Cece Thompson, executive director of the Spring Branch Education Foundation. “Thanks to CITGO, 15 hardworking students have a newfound motivation to pursue a degree in STEM, and find themselves one step closer to their dream jobs.”
A diverse group of talented Spring Branch students received CITGO’s STEM scholarships. Scholars represent the following high schools:
- Memorial High School
- Spring Woods High School
- Stratford High School
- Westchester Academy for International Studies
“CITGO is committed to the community we serve and empowering next generation of STEM professionals,” said Rafael Gomez, CITGO vice president of government and public affairs. “CITGO feels connected to these local rising stars in STEM, and we are honored to be part of their success stories.”
Beyond the local Houston community, CITGO is dedicated to improving STEM education across the country. In 2016 alone, 3,000 students and 300 educators across the CITGO operational footprint benefitted from the CITGO STEM Talent Pipeline through scholarships, summer programs and workshops. Its nationwide efforts have continued into 2017, including support of the University of Houston-Downtown summer camp, which allows middle and high school children to deepen their knowledge of topics related to STEM.
About Spring Branch Education Foundation
Spring Branch Education Foundation is committed to supporting SBISD students and educators. It partners with the district and community to fund programs that enhance education and prepare students for the future. Since 1993, the Foundation has donated more than $9 million to the district. In 2015, dewey & associates ranked SBEF 17th in the nation among K-12 education foundations and number one in its division of foundations with $1 million to $1,999,999 in revenues. SBEF is a 501(c)3 organization; all donations are tax deductible.
About CITGO
CITGO, based in Houston, is a refiner, transporter and marketer of transportation fuels, lubricants, petrochemicals and other industrial products. The company is owned by CITGO Holding, Inc., an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A., the national oil company of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. For more information, visit www.CITGO.com.
