Choose Energy: Program Overview
The Choose Energy K–12 outreach program provides diverse professional development opportunities for Texas secondary STEM teachers to improve their understanding of petroleum and geosystems engineering and how energy careers serve society. Relationships with teachers provide the opportunity to impact student awareness of society’s energy needs, energy careers, and program of study in the Hildebrand Department of Petroleum and Geosystems Engineering.
Why Connecting with Educators is Important
Teachers are the best conduit to prospective department applicants who are interested in pursuing a fulfilling career in petroleum and geosystems engineering. Lessons on energy and teacher excitement around energy careers can spark a student’s interest in pursuing a profession in the energy industry.
How We Connect with STEM Educators
- Attend state and national science conferences to facilitate teacher workshops and network with other educators and organizations who share a common goal.
- Connect with secondary STEM teachers in Texas and deliver high-quality engaging, student-centered lesson plans.
- Visit districts around the state and provide information at student career fairs, education centers, community colleges or other educational events.
- Collaborate with university alumni and industry leaders to support our mission and continue develop new avenues to connect with teachers and students.
Shaping the Energy Narrative
Amidst the noise and competing voices that can impact the public perception of the energy industry, the Hildebrand Department of Petroleum and Geosystems Engineering (UT PGE) promotes the value of oil and gas and serves as a champion for societal improvement through accessible, affordable and sustainable energy. By providing expert thought leadership and by actively engaging in the public discussion, UT PGE helps shape the conversation and encourage future generations to pursue careers in energy. One initiative to meet this goal is the Energy Science and Technology Institute for high school STEM teachers.
Led by UT PGE’s faculty and staff, the program brings high school teachers and administrators from around the state onto the UT Austin campus every summer to learn oil and gas fundamentals. The hope is that the knowledge gained on the Forty Acres will then be applied in the teachers’ classrooms — showcasing that the oil and gas industry is a challenging, technologically advanced and rewarding path to a meaningful career.
