Hess Corporation announced a $9 million financial commitment over the next three years as part of its Learning for Life Partnership to fund educational programs and support services for children in three economically disadvantaged communities in Houston that are part of Mayor Sylvester Turner’s Complete Communities Initiative.
Hess employees will also volunteer time and expertise to support these programs.
The Hess Learning for Life Partnership will benefit approximately 22 schools and more than 13,000 children from pre-K through elementary, middle, and high school in Houston’s Third Ward, Magnolia Park-Manchester, and Second Ward Complete Communities neighborhoods. The partnership expands the scope and reach of Hess’ LEAP (Learn, Engage, Advance, Persevere) educational program, a $7.4 million investment over the last eight years to support students in the Magnolia Park and Second Ward neighborhoods.
Hess Learning for Life grants are being made through the Greater Houston Community Foundation to various nonprofit organizations to address needs identified by Mayor Turner’s Complete Communities initiative, helping ensure that all Houstonians have equal access to quality services and amenities.
“Our company has a proud history of social investment programs that make a positive and lasting impact on the communities where we operate,” said John B. Hess, Chief Executive Officer. “In partnership with Mayor Turner’s initiative, we are delighted to expand our commitment to provide children in the neighborhoods adjacent to Hess Tower in downtown Houston with the academic and social resources they need to reach their full potential.”
“All children deserve an opportunity to pursue their dreams,” said Greg Hill, Hess President, and Chief Operating Officer. “With this partnership, we are supporting the needs of underserved children at every level of their development.”
“Philanthropic support to local nonprofits and volunteerism from corporations, such as Hess, keep Houston’s workforce competitive and youth equipped with the tools they need to succeed. Local schools also need support and corporate stewardship to improves student achievement, reduce absenteeism, and develop strong school-community partnerships,” stated Mayor Turner.
The Hess Learning for Life Partnership will fund STEM equipment and curricula, teacher training, computer equipment, mentorship programs, accreditation initiatives, career life guidance counseling, and other support. It also will provide full scholarships for nine high school seniors each year to pursue a college degree or vocational certification and support work-study programs at the University of Houston and Texas Southern University in the Third Ward.
Nonprofit organizations to receive funding include The Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation’s My Home Library; Big Brothers Big Sisters’ Beyond School Walls mentorship program; Genesys Works’ high school internship program; Communities In Schools’ on-campus student support; Children’s Museum Houston’s science workshop summer camp; Collaborative for Children’s Center of Excellence’s early childhood education programming; Comp-u-Dopt’s computer education series and hardware distribution; Edgenuity’s credit recovery program; C-STEM’s Robotics Prototype toolkits and teacher training; and Alliance Financial Ministries’ student workshops and after-school programs
Schools benefitting from the investment are Briscoe, Blackshear, Carrillo, DeZavala, Foster, Franklin, Gallegos, Hartsfield, KIPP Explore, Lockhart, Peck, Thompson, Tijerina, and Whidby elementary schools; Cullen, Edison, and Ryan (Baylor College of Medicine) middle schools; Austin, Energy Institute and Yates high schools; Texas Southern University and the University of Houston.
