Rice University
This year marks over eight years of collaboration for the summer STEM programs between ExxonMobil and the Tapia Center. Additionally, this summer commemorates the Tapia Center's tenth anniversary of STEM and professional development programs—a notable milestone.
Now in its third year, the Carbon Project remains a key part of the summer program, along with programs on computer science and college admissions. Led by Rice faculty and staff, the Tapia Camps focus on communication and teamwork as vital skills for a successful career in STEM. Campers engage in public speaking and collaborate on projects, ultimately presenting their final work to peers, ExxonMobil representatives and professors — including Dr. Richard Tapia. The summer camp also provides students with a glimpse into college life, where they stay in dorms and experience what it’s like to live on a college campus.
During the week of July 21-25, the Tapia Center hosted a week-long Professional Development program for 30 educators from diverse backgrounds. Participants stayed at Rice University to focus on enhancing their skills and building a community with fellow educators. The educators worked in groups to develop an energy-themed project, applying the principles of project-based learning, and learned what makes projects and lessons engaging for students.
ExxonMobil employees delivered an engaging presentation on CCS, including dry ice demonstrations to illustrate carbon behavior. On Wednesdays each week, students participated in full-day field trips to NASA, reinforcing STEM principles by introducing space-themed interactive experiences designed to develop STEM skills. On Thursdays and Fridays, ExxonMobil employees interacted with students as they competed in the Carbon Challenge, culminating in oral presentations by the students. Awards for the winning teams of the Carbon Challenge and their presentations were handed out on Friday, following remarks from invited guests ExxonMobil Pipeline President Steve Yatauro, Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia, and Pasadena Mayor Thomas Schoenbein.
To honor the accomplishments of all the summer STEM events and the Tapia Center's decade of STEM and professional development programs, ExxonMobil participated in a reception hosted by the Tapia Center to mark this milestone.
Learn About the Carbon Capture and Storage Project