RTICLE The Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation, partnering with a coalition of energy industry companies has announced the launch of two new STEM Center programs at Yorktown Junior High School and Falls City Elementary in the Eagle Ford region.
These innovative learning hubs aim to spark curiosity, encourage innovation, and prepare students for future careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), highlighting the crucial role these fields play in the oil and gas sector.
The new STEM Centers are made possible through the generous support of Baytex, bpx energy, ConocoPhillips, Devon Energy, GHD, Flogistix, Liberty Energy, Petro-Quip, and Repsol, along with the Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation.
Together, these partners actively shape the next generation of innovative problem-solvers and industry leaders while supporting student success.
“These STEM Centers are more than just classrooms; they’re hubs for innovation and opportunity,” said Steve Salem, President and CEO of the Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation. “By bringing hands-on, interactive STEM education to students in the Eagle Ford region, we’re helping them envision futures in industries that power our world.”
Each center is equipped with stateof- the-art technology, including robotics kits, 3D printers, coding tools, and engineering and design kits that mirror realworld applications in coding, engineering, and energy. Students will have the chance to explore how STEM skills are used in oil exploration, environmental science, and energy production fields central to the economic vitality of South Texas and beyond.
Representatives from the coalition partner organizations joined school officials and community leaders at ribbon-cutting ceremonies held at both schools. Local elected officials and district leadership were also present, underscoring the community- wide commitment to educational access and workforce development.
At the Falls City Elementary ribbon cutting on November 14, Patrick Bowen, Legislative Aide for Texas State Senator Judith Zaffirini, attended on behalf of the Senator and presented the school with an official State of Texas award recognizing the significance of the STEM Center’s grand opening. Falls City ISD Superintendent Todd Pawalek also joined in the celebration.
“These centers give our students the chance to dream big and build the skills they’ll need to succeed,” said Falls City Elementary Principal Jessica Luna. “We’re grateful to the Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation and its partners for believing in our kids and investing in their futures.”
At the Yorktown Jr. High School ribbon cutting, Yorktown ISD Superintendent Dean Kinsey, Yorktown Mayor Bill Baker, and City Councilman Michael Rippamonti were in attendance. From the office of State Senator Kolkhurst, Kim Moore participated in the event.
“This STEM Center is a game-changer for our students,” added Yorktown Jr. High School Principal Laura Patek. “It opens doors to learning experiences that connect directly to the industries shaping our region. Our kids now have the tools to explore careers they may have never imagined, and that’s incredibly powerful.”
The Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation, in partnership with its many national sponsors, has launched over 775 STEM Centers nationwide, with a mission to empower underserved youth through sports, education, and character development. The addition of these two centers marks a significant milestone in expanding STEM access to rural communities in energy-producing regions.
About Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation The Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation (CRSF) helps to strengthen America’s most underserved and distressed communities by supporting and advocating for children, building Youth Development Parks and STEM Centers, partnering with law enforcement and youthservice agencies, and addressing community needs through its national program initiatives that impact over 1.4 million kids each year. CRSF has opened over 775 STEM Centers in 26 states nationwide, gifting children in communities across the country new access to state-of-the-art technology, hands-on learning experiences, and skill sets essential to future careers in STEM fields.
About Baytex Energy Corp.
Baytex Energy Corp. is an energy company with headquarters based in Calgary, Alberta and offices in Houston, Texas. The company is engaged in the acquisition, development and production of crude oil and natural gas in the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin and in the Eagle Ford in the United States. Baytex’s common shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange and the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol BTE.
About bpx energy bp’s US onshore business, operates in the Permian, Eagle Ford, and Haynesville basins. Headquartered in Denver, bpx embodies the entrepreneurial spirit of a domestic US onshore producer – utilizing next-level technology to safely increase production while lowering emissions, and leveraging other integrated bp business like supply, trading and shipping to maximize value.
About ConocoPhillips
As a leading global exploration and production company, ConocoPhillips is uniquely equipped to deliver reliable, responsibly produced oil and gas. Our deep, durable and diverse portfolio is built to meet growing global energy demands. Together with our highperforming operations and continuously advancing technology, we are well positioned to deliver strong, consistent financial results, now and for decades to come. Visit us at www.conocophillips. com.
About Devon Energy
Devon Energy is a leading oil and gas producer in the U.S. with a premier multibasin portfolio headlined by a world-class acreage position in the Delaware Basin. Devon’s disciplined cash-return business model is designed to achieve strong returns, generate free cash flow and return capital to shareholders, while focusing on safe and sustainable operations. Headquartered in Oklahoma City, Devon is a Fortune 500 company and is included in the S&P 500 Index. Its common shares trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol DVN. For more information, please visit www.devonenergy. com.
