-
. -
.
A joint effort by the Beaumont Independent School District (BISD) and ExxonMobil brought together more than 3,000 local students and community members at the first-ever BISD and ExxonMobil Family STEM Night on Nov. 8 at Ford Park.
The free event offered students and community member to learn about science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields.
Beaumont ISD recognized the contribution by ExxonMobile with a plaque presentation during the Nov. 16 board meeting. ExxonMobil Beaumont Complex Manager Michael Mustian said ExxonMobil is honored to receive this recognition from Beaumont ISD.
“We would like to extend a sincere thank you to the entire district for allowing us to continue to support programs that improve teaching and learning in the key areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics,” said Mustian. “We also cannot thank enough every one of the more than 3,000 people who attended our STEM Night event. We hope it was just the beginning of a lifelong interest in STEM for the students and families who joined us.”
The event brought together more than 50 organizations, including almost all Beaumont ISD campuses, Lamar University, Lamar Institute of Technology as well as local organizations including the Beaumont Children’s Museum, among others. Each group presenting a different hands-on STEM activity for visitors to participate in.
Mustian said that events such as Family STEM Night confirms ExxonMobil’s dedication to making a difference in children’s lives and the nation’s future by supporting programs that improve teaching and learning in the key areas of STEM.
“We were proud to join Beaumont ISD in this endeavor and we are still in awe of the turnout and support the community showed for STEM Night,” said Mustian.
BISD Superintendent Dr. Shannon Allen said their motto is “Preparing Our Next Generation.”
“So if one student left STEM Night with the fire ignited inside of them to go into one of those fields, we’re doing our job of preparing the next generation,” said Allen. “ExxonMobil has continued to be an outstanding community partner in helping us fulfill that goal.”
Ultimately, Mustian said ExxonMobil hopes students’ interest in STEM doesn’t end with the family fun night, but rather inspires them to picture their future selves in STEM careers.
“Industry is anticipating a 50% shortage in skilled craft workers on top of a nationwide shortage of engineers,” he said. “By continuing to collaborate with Beaumont ISD and our other local education community partners, we hope to shrink the workforce gap in STEM fields and demonstrate that careers such as engineering offer the power to make a difference in society and right here in Beaumont.”