Energy Company Offering Schools Science Grants

A Houston energy company is inviting area schools to apply for grants to improve their science programs — Only three lucky schools will win funding and the top prize will total $25,000.

Devon Energy is offering its Science Giants Award program to help Houston-area schools maximize their science curriculum. Schools serving West University Place and surrounding areas received letters last week inviting them to apply, according to a company statement.

Devon launched the program in 2008 and presented a single, $25,000 grant each of the past two years to a school that demonstrated significant academic gains in science. This year, Devon will invest $40,000 and reward three schools.

The oil and gas production company is seeking nominations from schools that integrate creative and engaging science lessons. The first-place school will receive $25,000, the second-place school will receive $10,000, and the third-place school will receive $5,000.

According to a statement, the company chooses to fund the grants because its business relies heavily on highly educated scientists and it wants to help improve students’ understanding of science.

“Science is a critical subject students must master to be better prepared for college and the workforce,” said Bill Van Wie, Devon’s senior vice president of exploration, in the statement. “We decided to increase funding for this program to recognize more schools and invest in our state’s future scientists.”