HISD, the Independent Petroleum Association of America (IPAA), and Houston energy executives will gather to officially open the district’s new Energy Institute High School at 1 p.m. on Wednesday.

The school, located at 812 W. 28th Street, is the first of its kind in the nation and represents a collaborative effort between a public school district and industry leaders. The school’s vision is to focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics while breaking the barriers of a traditional classroom. It will provide students with hands-on learning and externships in the fields of geoscience, alternative energy, and offshore technology.

“HISD’s strength lies in our ability to offer every parent and student outstanding school choice options, both in neighborhood schools and in city-wide magnet schools such as the new Energy Institute High School,” Superintendent Terry Grier said. “We are serious about becoming great all over, and that means seizing every opportunity to meet students’ ever-changing needs.”

HISD is expanding its existing partnership with the IPAA to enhance the school’s curriculum and instruction.

“There has never been a greater opportunity for students to begin preparing themselves to enter the high-demand, challenging and lucrative careers provided within our industry,” said Doris Richardson, Founding Director of IPAA /PESA Education Center. “IPPA is pleased to partner again with HISD and leaders within the energy industry to provide educational initiatives that serve to enrich the STEM-focused energy program.”

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