Memories from summer camp can last a lifetime, like finally working up the courage to jump off the rope swing or the excitement you felt performing with your friends in the talent show. When it’s a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) summer camp – those experiences can also ignite a lifelong passion.
Many AFPM members are volunteering their time, experience and knowledge to host STEM summer camps to inspire and educate young students in these fields. These camps include a variety of hands-on activities, workshops and presentations led by industry professionals.
Nearly 150 volunteers across seven facilities welcomed over 400 children to Chevron Phillips Chemical’s Camp Chemisphere. The camp featured hands-on STEM experiments and engaging chemistry demonstrations, offering the children a glimpse into the science behind CPChem.
“Camp Chemisphere is our version of ‘take your child to work day.’ This annual event allows children of our employees to see the scientific foundations on which our company was built. We use hands-on experiments to explain the magic of chemistry and inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers.” said Erica Miller, Corporate Communications Manager at Chevron Phillips Chemical.
In the summer of 2024, Motiva engineers volunteered at Lamar University’s Introduction to Engineering summer camp for 6th, 7th and 8th graders. Two week-long camps were hosted for these students to explore STEM topics, with volunteers helping with hands-on activities and lessons.
Valero’s Texas City Refinery teamed up with Linde HyCO Plant to bring STEM education to the children of The Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club of Texas City. The STEM camp was held three times every two weeks during the summer months and focused on providing STEM education to children ages 6-12.
These STEM summer camps aim to spark interest in STEM subjects and give students a deeper understanding of how these industries operate, potentially inspiring the next generation of refiners and petrochemical engineers. Hosting STEM summer camps also helps companies strengthen their relationships with their local communities and provides access to valuable learning opportunities for children.
The American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM) is the leading trade association representing the makers of the fuels that keep us moving, the petrochemicals that are the essential building blocks for modern life, and the midstream companies that get our feedstocks and products where they need to go. We make the products that make life better, safer and more sustainable — we make progress.
