In an innovative and inspiring collaboration, ConocoPhillips has partnered with the University of Houston to launch a groundbreaking educational initiative designed to ignite a passion for STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) among K-12 students across Greater Houston. This new program, aptly named the ConocoPhillips STEM Zone, seeks to leverage the excitement of sports to engage young minds and nurture the next generation of STEM leaders.

As the first-ever Official STEM Partner of UH Athletics, ConocoPhillips has committed to a five-year partnership that will significantly enhance the University of Houston's efforts to promote STEM education. The ConocoPhillips STEM Zone is set to debut this fall, with the aim of reaching thousands of students during the 2024-25 academic year. The program will focus on students from diverse backgrounds, including those in Third Ward and other underserved communities, ensuring that every young person has the opportunity to explore the limitless possibilities of a STEM education.

"ConocoPhillips is deeply rooted in Houston, and we're dedicated to making a meaningful impact in our community, particularly in the realms of student enrichment and math education," said Heather Hrap, Senior Vice President of Human Resources and Real Estate and Facilities Services for ConocoPhillips. "Our partnership with the University of Houston allows us to connect students' love for sports with their curiosity about STEM fields, ultimately helping to build a stronger workforce and expanding the pipeline of talent into our industry and beyond."

The ConocoPhillips STEM Zone will offer a variety of interactive, hands-on activities at UH's campus throughout the year. These activities will be tied to a range of sports, including football, soccer, volleyball, baseball, basketball, golf, and track and field, and will be available at both weekend and game-day events. Students will have the chance to delve into complex subjects like data science, statistics, gravity, and geometry through the lens of sports. For example, they might analyze player performance metrics or explore the physics behind a basketball's arc or a golf ball's trajectory. UH STEM faculty will play a crucial role in mentoring students, both on campus and throughout the Houston area.

"This partnership with ConocoPhillips gives the University of Houston a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact on our community's students," said Eddie Nuñez, Vice President of UH Intercollegiate Athletics. "By using their enthusiasm for UH Athletics as a springboard, we can inspire academic curiosity and exploration. We want students to leave our athletic events with not only a love for the Houston Cougars but also a newfound passion for shaping their futures through STEM."

The program is part of a broader mission at the University of Houston to transform how students engage with STEM by linking it to their personal interests, whether in sports, robotics, gaming, music, or art. "At the University of Houston, we're committed to redefining STEM education by making it relevant to students' passions," said Ramanan Krishnamoorti, UH Vice President of Energy and Innovation. "The ConocoPhillips STEM Zone is an incredible opportunity to reach a wider and more diverse group of students, inspiring future leaders who will tackle the critical challenges of tomorrow."

To cap off the year, students who participate in all the ConocoPhillips STEM Zone events will be invited to a special ConocoPhillips STEM Zone Day. This celebratory event will feature special guests from both UH Athletics and ConocoPhillips, offering students a memorable experience that underscores the importance of their academic journey.

This partnership between ConocoPhillips and the University of Houston represents a forward-thinking approach to education, one that recognizes the power of combining sports and STEM to engage and inspire the next generation. As this program takes root, it promises to make a lasting impact on the lives of countless students, guiding them toward bright futures in STEM fields.

For more info, visit UH.edu and Conocophillips.com