About Education Center » Goal/Mission/History
Goal
To secure successful careers within the petroleum industry and become the NEXT GENERATION of talented energy professionals who will drive this industry forward.
Mission
To provide students a multidisciplinary advanced academic learning experience in science, mathematics and the emerging technology concepts they need to pursue degrees in engineering, geology, geophysics and global energy management.
History
Educating the public and policy makers about the America oil and natural gas industry has been a priority of the Independent Petroleum Association of America (IPAA) and the industry’s other state and national trade groups. For the American oil and natural gas industry, this is a crucial time for public education programs and workforce development initiatives. IPAA continues to play an important role in these vital areas—from around-the-clock federal advocacy to working with the media to educating teachers and students.
In 2006, IPAA launched its Education Center in Houston, to expand efforts in coordinating initiatives in public education and workforce expansion. The center’s full time Director, Doris Richardson is a former educator who is committed to making secondary and university students more aware of the vast career opportunities available to them within the oil and natural gas industry.
By 2009, Doris had created and expanded our petroleum academies to 4 local Texas high schools. Together with the support of the Petroleum Academy Executive Committee and sponsorship from other participating companies, Doris is achieving an unprecedented level of success by reigniting student interest in mathematics and science through innovative, cutting edge educational initiatives in engineering, geosciences, technology and global energy management.
From 2008- 2011, the IPAA Education Center continues to be recognized as one of the nation’s leading energy education organizations. The Education Center has been honored for the past 4 years with HISD’s Volunteers in Public Service award. In 2008, the Education Center received the Mayor’s Proud Partner award and in 2009, was again acknowledged by the Texas Association of Partners in Education for outstanding strategic business partnerships.
HISD Superintendent, Dr. Terry Grier has referred to the IPAA petroleum academies as “the best program of its type in the country”. Similarly, FWISD Superintendent, Dr. Melody Johnson has designated the IPAA petroleum academy as a FWISD Gold Seal Program of Choice.
IPAA Petroleum Academies
Houston Independent School District
Academy of Petroleum E&P Technology – Milby High School
Westside Engineering & Geosciences Academy – Westside High School
Global Energy Management Academy – Lamar High School
Fort Worth Independent School District
Southwest Academy of Petroleum Engineering & Technology – Southwest High School
