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On October 12, the Wharton County Junior College Foundation held the second Super Science Alliance at the Bay City Civic Center that encouraged sixth grade students in Matagorda County to consider pursuing STEM careers. The event partnered some of Matagorda County’s largest employers together with the local school districts to create an event that allowed 550 sixth grade students to participate in hands-on activities and engage community leaders in thoughtful discussions.
LyondellBasell was the title sponsor for the event that focused on the “Power of STEM” as its theme. Hometown Hero sponsors included STP Nuclear Operating Company, Tenaris (Bay City), Underground Services Markham, Highly Innovative Fuels (HIF), and Wharton County Junior College. During the event, each of the sponsors had an opportunity to present to students as they moved through the Civic Center. The presentations related to the work they do each day and the science, technology, engineering, and math connected to that work. Other event sponsors included Phillips 66, the Bay City Development Corporation, and the Matagorda Regional Medical Center Foundation. In a show of community support, the Super Science Alliance welcomed Bay City Mayor Robert Nelson and Palacios Mayor Jim Gardner.
LyondellBasell Plant Manager, Tim Carnell, was encouraged by the success of the event. “LyondellBasell is proud to have been the title sponsor for this event and to help reach so many students in Matagorda County,” Tim said. “We are so pleased to see the students in this community get excited about STEM learning and the future opportunities available in their backyard. We are very grateful for such a fun and rewarding opportunity to support teachers and the schools in the work they do toward STEM education.”
The WCJC Foundation President Suzanne Armour was thrilled with the success of the second annual event. “We are extremely pleased to partner with the leaders of this community to further such an important cause,” Armour said. “The enthusiasm from the students and faculty that attended the event made all of our effort and coordination worth it once again.”
The Wharton County Junior College Foundation, a 501(C)(3) non-profit whose mission is to provide educational awareness and financial support to Wharton County Junior College, has continued to expand their outreach and impact. In addition to the Super Science Alliance, the Foundation increased their community brand and social media presence, held the inaugural Ponies & Petals in Wharton, and increased their scholarship awards over the past year.
The WCJC Foundation Office is located on the Wharton campus inside the J. M. Hodges Library. For additional information on the Foundation or to learn how to support their mission visit wcjcfoundation.org or contact Jonathan Jeter at jeterj@wcjc.edu or 979-532-6981.
