The Energy Institute High School has been selected as the beneficiary of the 2015 Annual Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) Dinner, scheduled for May 3 at NRG Stadium.

Each year, net proceeds from the dinner – held in conjunction with OTC’s flagship Houston conference and attended by industry leaders from around the world – are awarded to a charitable organization that is connected to the offshore energy industry and makes a positive impact in the community.

This year, OTC selected the Independent Petroleum Association of America (IPAA) and the Petroleum Equipment & Services Association (PESA) Energy Education Center for the benefit of the Energy Institute High School.

“The Executive Advisory Board selected this year’s charity because of its strong commitment to advance STEM education through hands-on, project-based learning with a specific focus on the energy industry,” said Kevin McEvoy, CEO of Oceaneering and Chair of the 2015 Annual OTC Dinner Executive Advisory Board.

The Energy Institute, which opened at the start of the 2013-2014 school year, is the first school of its kind in the nation and has already received broad support from the energy industry. The focus of the high school is to prepare students for college and careers in the fast-growing energy sector, and features a rigorous and adventurous academic program with an emphasis on hands-on learning in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).

“HISD is a leading innovator in developing specialized magnet programs which prepare students for successful careers, and Houston is the energy capital of the world,” said Lori Lambropoulos, principal of the Energy Institute. “So it’s really a natural fit for us to partner with industry on a school dedicated to STEM and energy education. We are grateful for all the industry support and thrilled about lies ahead with our future endeavors because of this gift.”

All classrooms utilize technology, which provides teachers with the instructional tools necessary to engage students in a hands-on, student-centered environment. By the time a student completes four years, they will have worked in 150 different groups, on 150 different projects, and given 150 different presentations.