University partners with company for new K-12 educational program focusing on sports-inspired STEM learning

The University of Houston, Cougars Athletics, and ConocoPhillips are launching a new K-12 educational program that leverages sports to inspire the next generation of STEM—science, technology, engineering, and math—students and leaders.

As The Official STEM Partner of UH Athletics, ConocoPhillips has committed to a five-year partnership supporting the UH STEM Center’s ConocoPhillips STEM Zone. This interactive program targets elementary, middle, and high school students across Greater Houston, including Third Ward and underserved communities. The initiative will begin this fall and is expected to engage thousands of students during the 2024-25 academic year.

“Houston is our hometown, and we are focused on making a difference in our community, particularly in the areas of student enrichment and math education. As the first-ever Official STEM Partner of UH Athletics, ConocoPhillips is excited to work with the University of Houston to help students connect their passion for sports to STEM studies and careers,” said Heather Hrap, Senior Vice President of Human Resources and Real Estate and Facilities Services for ConocoPhillips. “Our goal is to strengthen our city’s workforce and expand the pipeline of talent into our industry and others.”

“This partnership with ConocoPhillips enables the University of Houston to make a lasting impact on students in our community,” said Eddie Nuñez, vice president of UH intercollegiate athletics. “It provides us with a unique opportunity to use their enthusiasm for UH Athletics as a gateway to inspire academic curiosity and exploration. Our goal is for the students attending our athletic events to leave with not only a love for the Houston Cougars but also a passion for shaping their own futures.”

ConocoPhillips STEM Zone will offer interactive hands-on activities on the UH campus throughout the year at weekend and game-day events tied to football, soccer, volleyball, baseball, basketball, golf, and track & field. Students will explore subjects like data science by analyzing clock management or player performance metrics. Concepts in gravity and geometry will be examined through explorations of ball launch angles or trajectories in sports like basketball or golf. UH STEM faculty will mentor students near the university campus as well as across Houston.

“At the University of Houston we’re committed to transforming how students engage with STEM by linking it to their passions—like sports robotics gaming music or art,” said Ramanan Krishnamoorti vice president energy innovation “This opportunity coordinate learning excitement athletics help reach broader cross-section inspire future leaders tackle pressing challenges tomorrow”

Students who attend all ConocoPhillips STEM Zone events will be invited to participate in ConocoPhillips STEM Zone Day at end year along special guests from UH Athletics ConocoPhillips

About ConocoPhillips

ConocoPhillips one world’s leading exploration production companies based both reserves globally diversified asset portfolio Headquartered Texas operations activities countries $96 billion total assets approximately employees June 30 Production averaged MBOED six months ended proved reserves BBOE Dec 31

For more information go www.conocophillips.com