Boston Red Sox Feature Double Header for STEM Education Days

CITGO Petroleum Corporation and the Boston Red Sox teamed up to host two special science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) days showcasing the scientific principles that shape the world and America’s pastime. In its third year, the “Red Sox STEM Education Days Presented by CITGO” at Fenway Park gives New England students, grades two through nine, the opportunity to learn about STEM in a unique environment and to enjoy a Red Sox home game.

The first STEM Education Day, held on May 1, focused on science, weather and engineering. Pre-game activities included a STEM Fair with exhibits from local organizations, an egg drop off of Fenway Park’s historic Green Monster and a live science education and entertainment demonstration. The second STEM Education Day, scheduled for Sept. 19, will highlight NASA and other important space initiatives. Activities will begin with a STEM Fair featuring the Johnson Space Center and Goddard Space Flight Center. These will be followed by a panel with former astronauts and current NASA professionals. In 2018, each “Red Sox STEM Education Days Presented by CITGO” hosted more than 4,000 students.

CITGO General Manager Community Relations, CSR and Legislative Affairs Larry Elizondo said STEM Education is the key to the future of the oil and gas industry. “By engaging students in fun activities like STEM Day, we are presenting students with the opportunity to engage in fun interactive activities that can also inspire them towards valuable career choices. It’s even more fun to host this event in the historic city of Boston right underneath our iconic CITGO sign in Kenmore Square where for this unique educational opportunity, STEM and baseball are intertwined!”

The “Red Sox STEM Education Days Presented by CITGO” is one of the many programs supported through the CITGO STEM Talent Pipeline, an initiative designed to expand STEM education and career opportunities for students in the company’s operational areas. The initiative provides grants to schools for programs that increase student interest, retention and graduation rates, and for programs that prepare students for technical and university- level curricula. The CITGO STEM Talent Pipeline also provides scholarships for students pursuing higher degrees in STEM fields.

Since the initiative’s inception, the company has awarded more than $2 million toward programs that promote the importance of STEM education and provide educators with the resources they need. Together with nearly 40 STEM partners, CITGO STEM programs have touched the lives of more than 35,000 students and educators across the company’s regions. In addition to the CITGO STEM Talent Pipeline initiative, CITGO also promotes educational programs designed to improve attendance and support childhood and family literacy programs. As part of this effort, CITGO recorded a landmark year of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) support by increasing the number of CITGO Innovation Academies it supports to seven.

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