Perot, Kosmos Energy Unveil STEM Program
On Monday at Hockaday, The Perot Museum of Nature and Science unveiled the Kosmos Energy STEM Teacher Institute, a program designed to improve science instruction for students in grades K-12.
Dallas-based Kosmos Energy is funding teachers’ training workshops in Hockaday’s Lyda Hill STEM Institute wing. The sessions, taking place over four weeks in the summer and on some weekends during the school year, will give teachers tools to excite students about science, technology, engineering, and math, they hope.
“There is a great hunger for STEM education, and we know that these careers can be exciting, well-paying, and even life-changing,” said Perot Museum CEO Colleen Walker. “We know that [teachers] play one of the most crucial roles to inspiring minds to pursue any path, and we want to make sure they are well equipped to inspire our students in STEM subjects.”
According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, STEM occupations are projected to continue growing. Since the Kosmos program will indirectly reach 4,800 students this year, the Perot hopes to keep up with growing demand by inspiring students to eventually take up careers in STEM.
“Ultimately this is investing in [teachers’] development so our children get the best education,” said Andy Inglis, CEO of Kosmos Energy. “By investing in our teachers, we aim to multiply the positive impact of the program.”
The 130 participating teachers, chosen among applicants from across the Dallas-Fort Worth area, will be mentored by experienced STEM workers throughout the year and will receive education credits from the Texas Education Agency.
“Science was a little intimidating, but after attending the first workshop, I was hooked,” said Allison Burney, a teacher from Ford Middle School in Allen. “It gave me the confidence to teach science content and inspire the next generation of scientists. It truly is a place to build passion.”
