CITGO Invests $686,000 in STEM Education Programs Across Texas, Louisiana and Illinois

CITGO Petroleum Corporation is investing approximately $686,000 in 24 STEM education initiatives across Texas, Louisiana, and Illinois, funding classroom programs, robotics clubs, and hands-on learning opportunities aimed at preparing students for technical and professional careers.

The 2026 grants are part of the company's CITGO STEM Program, which seeks to increase the number of students graduating high school and pursuing STEM-related education after graduation. Funding supports schools and community organizations, particularly in underserved communities near CITGO's operational areas.

"Every robot built, circuit wired, or bridge designed in a classroom today is practice for the work our industry needs tomorrow," said Kresha Sivinski, CITGO vice president of human resources and support services.

The program includes two primary initiatives: CITGO Innovation Academies, which integrate STEM education into partner schools' classrooms, and the CITGO Innovation Scholar Program, which supports students continuing their education and pursuing STEM careers.

This year's funding also includes a Signature Program grant to the National Energy Education Development (NEED) Project. The organization will train teachers in Corpus Christi, Texas, and Lemont, Illinois, to incorporate energy and energy-efficiency curricula into their classrooms. CITGO is also continuing its scholarship partnership with Scholarship America.

In Texas, grants support Innovation Academies and robotics programs in Corpus Christi and Houston. Corpus Christi recipients include Cunningham Middle School, Dr. J.A. Garcia Elementary School, Foy H. Moody High School, and West Oso Independent School District. The Galvan Robotics Club also received a robotics and STEM mini-grant.

In the Houston area, CITGO is supporting Alief Early College High School, Olle Middle School, and Klentzman Intermediate School through its Innovation Academies.

Additional grants went to Houston Community College's HCC IDEAS Academy and Horn STEM Elementary School.

Louisiana funding includes Innovation Academies at three Calcasieu Parish Schools, grants for Maplewood Middle School and W.W. Lewis Middle School, and robotics mini-grants for programs at Dolby Elementary School and Vinton High School.

Illinois recipients include Innovation Academies in Lemont and Lockport, along with grants for Valley View School District 365U and Lockport School District 91.