IPAA independent petroleum association of america, america's oil and gas producers

Volunteer Opportunities » FAQs

Frequently Asked Volunteer Questions

  1. What is the purpose of an IPAA Academy Volunteer?
    We are proud to have an extraordinary group of distinguished professionals willing to volunteer their time and knowledge to our academy students. Our goal within each academy is to provide students the ability to make more informed career choices in the areas of math, science and the emerging technology concepts available in our industry. With the help of our volunteers, we hope to positively influence and expand the knowledge base for our students and provide the foundation for the next generation of America's oil and gas professionals.
  2. What are some of the volunteer opportunities that IPAA Academies offer?
    Throughout the school year our students participate in a guest speaker series, Junior Achievement Success Skills courses, research field trips, competitions, community service projects, and student energy clubs. We will place you with an educational initiative that most interests you. Our volunteers share their education and career path through our guest speaker series; some teach the Junior Achievement leadership classes, some provide tours at industry related field trips, and some volunteers prefer to mentor or help prepare the students for a math, science, technology or industry related competition.
  3. Are all of the academies the same?
    Each academy has been developed to fit the needs of their student population. However each academy focuses on engineering, geosciences, technology and global energy management.

    Milby High School - Academy of Petroleum Exploration & Production Technology
    This AP math/science magnet school provides 10th-12th grade academy students with dual credit classes in engineering, geosciences, emerging technology concepts, as well as a 3 year exploration into the fundamentals of the petroleum industry.

    Lamar High School – Global Energy Management Institute
    Lamar provides 9th-12th grade students a focus on Global Energy Management and engineering. This honors program focuses on global energy economics, geopolitics, history, as well as accounting, marketing and finance.

    Westside Engineering & Geosciences Academy
    This college preparatory magnet school provides 9th-12th grade academy students with dual credit classes in engineering, geosciences and energy related computer science systems.
  4. Where are the schools located?

    Lamar High School, Global Energy Management Institute
    3325 Westheimer, Houston, TX 77012

    Milby High School, Academy of Petroleum E and P Technology
    1601 Broadway, Houston, TX 77012

    Westside High School, Westside Engineering and Geosciece Academy
    14201 Briar Forest, Houston, TX 77077
  5. How will I know when there is a volunteer opportunity?
    Through the IPAA Education Center website. We also frequently send out e-mails with details covering the various volunteer opportunities we are hosting. We know that our volunteers have very busy schedules but still enthusiastically remain dedicated to their involvement the academy program. Each volunteer may also contact us with questions concerning the different events. We try to optimize the volunteers availability with each school calendar.
  6. I haven’t been in a High School in years, what should I expect?
    We feel that it is important for the volunteers and teachers to meet each other before their presentations.The teachers are then able to inform them about the student population they will be teaching. Please keep in mind, the teachers remain in the classrooms and that our volunteers are there only to enrich the program.
  7. How do I check in at the High School?
    Each time you volunteer on a campus, you will check in at the front desk. The first time you volunteer, the school will take a photo copy of your driver’s license. Always have your ID with you while volunteering. An IPAA representative, academy teacher or academy student will escort you to the appropriate location on campus.
  8. What if I volunteer for an event and need to cancel?
    Contact Sarah Hewitt through e-mail or call if you need to cancel the day of the event.
  9. How do I become an IPAA Academy Volunteer?
    See Volunteer Sign Up, under Volunteer Opportunities icon on this website. You will provide your preferred contact information, profession, job title and volunteer preference. Go to the HISD website to register as a HISD volunteer - http://www.houstonisd.org, click Community icon and go to Volunteer. All volunteer questions and information should be directed to Sarah Hewitt.

Frequently asked Junior Achievement Questions

JA Worldwide is a partnership between the business community, educators and volunteers — all working together to inspire young people to dream big and reach their potential. JA’s hands-on, experiential programs teach the key concepts of work readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy to young people all over the world.

  1. What JA class would I be teaching?
    JA Success Skills®
    JA Success Skills provides age appropriate leadership skills to our freshmen academy students. Students find these professional development classes engaging, enriching and empowering.
    JA Business Ethics™
    Through hands-on classroom activities, JA Business Ethics fosters students’ ethical decision-making as they prepare to enter the workforce and take part in the global marketplace. Students will recognize and analyze theory, terminology and concepts; applied skills; and evaluate ethical decision-making
    JA Be Entrepreneurial™
    By developing the essential components of a business plan, JA Be Entrepreneurial, challenges students to start an entrepreneurial venture while still in high school.
  2. Is the curriculum already developed?
    Yes, you will receive a copy of the curricula, instructional video and teaching materials.
  3. How often will I go to the school?
    We encourage our volunteer to contact the schools to set up a meeting to meet the teachers. This will help you understand the dynamic of the students you are teaching and help answer any first day questions. After your first meeting with the teacher, you will teach 4 sessions, each 90minutes long.
  4. What if I am sick or need to miss a session?
    We will try to set you up with a co-facilitator. If your partner can not cover for you, we will try to reschedule the session.
  5. Can I partner with a colleague or work friend?
    Yes, it is helpful when you already have an existing relationship with your JA partner.
  6. Can I choose the dates and times of the sessions?
    Dates and times for the IPAA Master Calendar of Events, is prepared the summer before school commences in the fall. It is coordinated with state testing and school holiday dates. Due to strict state, district, and campus schedules, we preset the JA schedule.
  7. Will I be trained?
    Yes, we will contact you with a training session. It usually last a couple of hours and is set for early evening.
  8. What do I need to do to become a IPAA Academy Volunteer?
    See Volunteer Sign Up, under Volunteer Opportunities icon on this website. You will provide your preferred contact information, profession, job title and volunteer preference. All volunteer questions and information should be directed to Sarah Hewitt.

Frequently asked Guest Speaker Questions

  1. What is the Guest Speaker Program?
    Throughout the fall semester, a different industry professional speaks to our students to expand their awareness of the career opportunities available within the industry.
  2. What are some of the topics that I can speak to the students about?
    • Where you went to school
    • How your career fits in the overall dynamic of the industry
    • Why you chose your major
    • Why you chose this industry
    • Personal/professional challenges
    • What you do on a daily basis
    • Current topics and issues
    • Share your enthusiasm for the aspects of your career that you most enjoy.
    • Share knowledge and wisdom you have gained about this industry and your career path
    • What students need to know about effective leadership
    • Transition from scientist to management
    • Keep it casual enough so the students feel comfortable asking questions
    • Please feel free to ask the students questions.
    • Provide students some type of hand-out that pertains to your career.
      (charts, graphs, videos, maps, etc.)
  3. How long should my presentation last?
    Each school is different. Please refer to the sign up page.
  4. What type of presentation should I develop?
    Lecture no more than 20-30 minutes and give them some type of small assignment
    that allows them to break into groups of 4 .

    Please plan an interactive activity following you presentation. You can choose to bring visuals, create a game, team building exercise, and lab, anything that creates a hands-on experience for the students.
  5. What do I need to provide the school before my presentation?
    You will need to send Sarah Hewitt a copy of your current bio and the title to your presentation.
    Sarah will need your bio 2 weeks prior to your presentation date.
  6. What type of technology will the school have available?
    Each school with have a computer and projector set up prior to your arrival.
    If you need additional equipment, please contact Sarah Hewitt.
  7. What do I need to do to become a IPAA Academy Volunteer?
    See Volunteer Sign Up, under Volunteer Opportunities icon on this website. You will provide your preferred contact information, profession, job title and volunteer preference. All volunteer questions and information should be directed to Sarah Hewitt.

    Sarah Hewitt
    Educational Consultant
    IPAA Education Center
    Mobile: (713) 737-5856
    E-mail: Shewitt@ipaa.org
    www.ipaa.org
    Independent Petroleum Association of America