BISD STEM night

Beaumont, Texas

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It’s never too early or too late to learn about the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields – STEM is for everyone.

The free and open to the public 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 presenting a different hands-on STEM activity for visitors to participate in.

“Our 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,” Dr. Shannon Allen, Beaumont ISD Superintendent, said. “ExxonMobil has continued to be an outstanding community partner in helping us fulfill that goal.”

In joining with Beaumont ISD to present the Family STEM Night, Michael Mustian, ExxonMobil Beaumont Complex Manager, said that events such as this confirm 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,” Mustian said. “We hope Nov. 8 marked only the beginning of a lifelong interest in and passion for STEM.”

Beaumont ISD recognized ExxonMobil for its sponsorship of and participation in STEM Night with a plaque at the school district’s regular board meeting, Nov. 16.

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, Texas.”