Education is the key that enables sustainable progress toward economic growth, social improvements, environmental stewardship, technological advances and the promise of a better tomorrow. For these reasons the oil and natural gas industry has maintained many different kinds of public-private educational partnerships as a critically important future investment. Many partnership programs provide educational materials, such as books, videos, computers for class rooms and web-based educational services. Others train and support teachers through scholarships, educational research and professional development programs. Still others focus on more basic educational needs such health care and sanitation, workforce skills training, and school building projects. Educational partnerships are also aimed at increasing our understanding about the complexities of our natural environment and the ways we can be better informed about protecting our own health and safety.
Educational Materials and General Program Development
The availability of educational materials for teachers and students is becoming increasingly important in all parts of the world, but especially in the developing world where access to educational materials is a critical link in achieving economic and social improvements.
Local Community and Career Development Programs
Education provides the foundation for future career development. The oil and natural gas industry, as well as many other industries, see career development as a critical component of sustainable development. Companies and their employees partner with students and educators to provide an educated workforce for tomorrow’s businesses and to enable social progress.
National Coalitions and Programs for Teachers
Numerous partnerships have been established with a variety of academic institutions to provide developmental programs for teachers.
Environmental (Marine and Wildlife), Health and Safety Education Programs
The oil and natural gas industry operates in marine environments as locations for offshore exploration and production as well for transporting crude oil and refined products. This presence requires an ever greater need to know more about this natural environment to better protect and conserve it. The oil and natural gas industry collaborates with academic institutions, government agencies and non-governmental organizations to acquire knowledge about the marine environment and pass that knowledge on to students and teachers to sustain its conservation.