One of the things our industry does very well is prepare for the future by taking a solutions-oriented approach and building on best practices – and, our approach to science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics (STEM/STEAM) education is no different. Increasing awareness for industry careers is essential to growing and diversifying our workforce, particularly in communities of color, and among women and veterans.

For many member companies, supporting STEM/STEAM goes beyond making funding commitments and extends deep into the communities where we operate to offer real opportunities for hands-on and virtual learning. Using their work producing energy as the platform, here are ways a few of our companies are sparking interest in industry jobs:

• With a focus on inspiring high school students, ExxonMobil became a founding sponsor of the National Math and Science Initiative (NMSI) in 2007, and since that time the company has committed nearly $200 million to the nonprofit organization. NMSI provides scalable and rigorous program solutions that empower school communities to prepare all students to succeed in college and the workforce. To better prepare students and teachers for the world of science, technology, engineering and mathematics , NMSI replicates proven programs with quantifiable results — such as its College Readiness Program, Laying the Foundation and UTeach™ — on a national scale.

• Shell actively supports STEM with a range of programs in more than 20 countries. NXplorers, their flagship STEM program, aims to equip young people with the problem-solving skills needed to become future innovators and leaders. In 2019, Shell continued to expand NXplorers and it has now been launched in 17 countries. Watch video

• With the help of Chevron, Project Lead the Way offers students and educators curricula and training to help kids obtain skills in STEM for engineering computer science through the program that is available to more than 300,000 students across the U.S. The company also funds the National Academy of Engineering which helps pre-K-12 educators implement engineering education across in the classroom to encourage pre-college engineering education.

To learn more about our work in STEAM, read our other blog posts

• Technology Bridges the Gap for Continued Learning
• Laying the Foundation Today to Create Tomorrow’s Industry Leaders

Together, we can continue to help today’s students and teachers stay motivated and focused on STEM/STEAM education to prepare for industry careers well into the future.