The partnerships we have established with local schools reflect our investment in the future. Devon’s Science Giants Award programs in Houston and Oklahoma City are examples of our support for education. Devon established the Science Giants Award in 2007 to recognize and encourage outstanding science programs within public schools.
The award program originated in Houston and has expanded to include schools in Oklahoma City and Odessa, Texas. Under the program, hundreds of educators from individual schools are invited to apply. Winning schools are chosen based on academic gains in science, innovative approaches to teaching, and creative vision to improve achievement in science.
“Students need to be well grounded in science as they prepare for college and the future workforce,” said Greg Kelleher, senior vice president of Devon’s Southern Division. “It is important to recognize schools that are doing an outstanding job preparing students for exciting careers in science and technology. Some of these students represent the future workforce of the natural gas and oil industry.”
Devon relies heavily on highly educated scientists and recognizes that science teachers are the keys to improving students’ understanding of science. They turn students into informed 21st century citizens and lead some to pursue remarkable scientific discoveries.
To date, Devon has contributed $130,000 in prize money to help schools build upon their progress in science education. Through this award program, we can call attention to the importance of science education as a critical need in our company, our industry and our nation. The Science Giants initiative is one of many investments Devon makes in support of public schools and universities in the United States and Canada.