SENMC Hosts STEM Summit

By Misty Cryer

On June 17, Permian Strategic Partnership (PSP) and the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation provided a free professional development conference, the STEM Summit, to educators across West Texas and southeastern New Mexico at Southeastern New Mexico College in Carlsbad.

This summit’s purpose was to benefit local educators and students and positively affect the responsible development of the oil and gas resources of the Permian Basin.

A press release dated June 18 said over 80 educators from the Permian Basin attended the summit. “The event featured breakout sessions led by Ripken Foundation staff and STEM education experts. Participants received hands-on training on STEM products and learned interactive methods to bring core concepts to life for students,” the press release states.

“We believe that investing in educators is one of the most powerful ways to shape the future,” said Tracee Bentley, President and CEO of Permian Strategic Partnership. “STEM Summit is both a celebration of their hard work and a chance to equip them with innovative tools, fresh ideas, and a strong support network. We’re excited to see the ripple effect of success this experience will create in classrooms across the Permian Basin,” she said.

“Carlsbad students benefit enormously from the knowledge and inspiration their teachers bring back from the STEM summit,” said Casey Yates, Sr. Director of Finance for Permian Strategic Partnership.

“The event empowers educators by providing access to cutting-edge resources, peer collaboration, and innovative teaching strategies, all of which translate into richer, more engaging learning experiences for students,” she said.

“Educating local students through interactive STEM tools and curriculum equips them with critical thinking, problem-solving, and technological skills that are directly relevant to industries like oil and gas,” said Yates.

“By fostering early interest and competence in science, engineering, and data interpretation, students become better prepared for future careers in energy and resource management. This ultimately supports the responsible and innovative development of the Permian Basin’s natural resources by building a pipeline of local talent who understand both the opportunities and environmental responsibilities inherent in the field,” she said.

“Since launching their joint initiative in 2022, PSP and the Ripken Foundation have installed 134 STEM Centers in elementary and middle schools across Texas and New Mexico,” the press release states.

Of these Ripken Foundation STEM Centers, 16 are in Eddy County, said Joe Rossow, Executive VP of STEM Innovation and Outcome Measurement with Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation.

According to the list Rossow provided, elementary schools in the Carlsbad District with STEM Centers installed include Ocotillo, Desert Willow, Carlsbad Early Childhood Education Center, Sunset, Monterrey, and Riverside. Centers also exist at the local charter school, Jefferson Montessori Academy, the Boys and Girls Club of Carlsbad, and the Carlsbad Public Library, with the remainder located in Artesia.

“This presence represents a significant investment in STEM accessibility and education in the region,” said Rossow.

“Receiving a STEM Center is just the starting point,” said Steve Salam, President and CEO of the Ripken Foundation. “Our goal is to be a long-term partner in the journey, ensuring educators feel supported, inspired, and empowered to make an even greater impact in their students’ lives every day,” he said.

“The STEM Summit concluded with a raffle giveaway,” the press release states. “Doña Cassingham, an educator from Jefferson Montessori Academy, was awarded a $10,000 furniture giveaway, donated by Worthington Direct. Additional prizes included signed Cal Ripken Jr. memorabilia, STEM products and materials, and gift cards for classroom supplies.”

“Worthington Direct is based in Dallas, TX, and specializes in educational furniture solutions designed to support modern classroom learning, including STEM-focused settings,” said Rossow.

Members of PSP listed on the press release include BPX Energy, ChampionX, Chevron, Civitas Resources, ConocoPhillips, Coterra Energy, Devon Energy, Diamondback Energy, Energy Transfer, EOG Resources, ExxonMobil, Halliburton, Helmerich & Payne, Kinetik, Liberty Energy, Mewbourne Oil Company, Occidental, Ovintiv, Permian Resources, Phillips 66, Plains All American, ProPetro, SLB, Targa Resources, The Texas Tech University System, The University of Texas System, WaterBridge Resources, and Western Midstream.

“The Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation was established in 2001 by Cal Ripken, Jr., a Hall-of-Fame shortstop, and his brother Bill Ripken to honor their father, Cal Ripken, Sr.,” said Rossow.

“Cal Ripken, Sr. was a legendary mentor and coach in the Baltimore Orioles organization and an influential figure at the Boys & Girls Club in Aberdeen, MD. The foundation works to uplift youth through programs like STEM Centers and Youth Development Parks, offering new opportunities to underserved communities and supporting educators with the tools they need to help students succeed,” he said.

Rossow also credited Southeast New Mexico College, the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce, and the Artesia Chamber of Commerce as sponsors of the summit from Eddy County.

To learn more about Permian Strategic Partnership and the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation, visit www.permianpartnership.com and www.ripkenfoundation.org. The foundation can also be found on Facebook, X, and Instagram @CalRipkenSrFdn.