Texas A&M University And ExxonMobil Foundation Collaborate To Inspire Future STEM Leaders In Texas

Texas A&M University and the ExxonMobil Foundation launched a joint effort to inspire youth to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) by providing education, training and support for STEM middle school teachers.

The pilot program called Aggie STELLAR (STEM Teacher Education, Learning, Leadership and Resources) will kick off in Houston and McAllen and will provide more than 30 middle school teachers with access to the necessary resources, strategies and support to engage students in meaningful hands-on STEM learning experiences.

“Long before students arrive in Aggieland to pursue their degrees, a teacher somewhere along the way inspired their path,” said Gen. (Ret.) Mark A. Welsh III, president of Texas A&M University. “Through this collaboration with the ExxonMobil Foundation, we’re exploring new ways to ensure teachers across the state have access to the information and resources they need to inspire the next generation of STEM leaders.”

The application process is now open, and accepted teachers will participate in a two-week intensive Aggie STELLAR Summer Institute in College Station at Texas A&M University. The program will provide high-quality in-person and virtual learning opportunities to help teachers better understand the STEM subjects they teach, focused on sixth through eighth grade math and science courses. Following the hands-on summer experience, these teachers will have access to Texas A&M experts, online resources,  Khan Academy’s supplemental materials sponsored by the ExxonMobil Foundation and monthly professional development opportunities. The yearlong program will prepare these teachers to be leaders in STEM education at their schools.

“Supporting education is a part of ExxonMobil’s DNA and we know STEM learning is essential for preparing the next generation of problem solvers,” said Alvin Abraham, president of the ExxonMobil Foundation. “We’re excited to team up with Texas A&M and leverage our resources to support our local communities and enhance the STEM talent pipeline of teachers and students.”

The Aggie STELLAR Summer Institute will be held in July. Teachers will be notified of their acceptance into the program by March 27.

“Aggie STELLAR is a unique cross-campus collaborative initiative,” said Dr. Janice Meyer, director of Continuing and Professional Education. “It provides teachers and students with the knowledge and skills to think innovatively. We aim to create networks of educators across Texas equipped to ignite student interest in STEM fields. We’re excited about the impact the program will have on our state and future generations.

Aggie STELLAR builds on long-standing efforts by Texas A&M to support STEM teachers in Texas, including the Aggie STEM program, a collaboration of the School of Education and Human Development and College of Engineering. It began in 2006 as a partnership between Texas A&M and Dallas ISD through funding from the Texas Education Agency. Aggie STEM’s services have since spread, serving numerous public school districts and charter schools across Texas, the nation and internationally. Another notable effort is Spark! from the College of Engineering, which provides outreach to STEM educators across Texas, including summer residential research experiences, workshops and virtual events.

Learn more about Aggie STELLAR.