Tomball ISD; oil and gas company Baker Hughes, which houses its Western Hemisphere Education Center on FM 2920 in Tomball; and the Tomball Economic Development Corp. partnered to offer a half-day science, technology, engineering and mathematics camp for 20 TISD sixth-grade students Nov. 19, according to a Nov. 22 press release.

Students across four TISD middle schools submitted essays to attend the camp, and five students from each campus were chosen to go based on the essay, grades, and behavioral and attendance records, the release said.

"Tomball ISD recognizes the importance of connecting education and industry. The opportunity provided by Baker Hughes is exactly the type of experience we want for our students," said Jennifer Adams, the director of science and robotics for Tomball ISD, in the release.

The students were able to see the oil and gas production rigs and participate in hands-on activities to learn about magnetic fields, virtual reality rig simulators and Baker Hughes' sustainability commitment to become carbon neutral by 2050, according to the release.

Additionally, TEDC Executive Director Kelly Violette said in the release that STEM camps such as the Baker Hughes and Tomball ISD camp help collaboration efforts between education and the local industry.


"The TEDC is committed to promoting local business and developing career opportunities in Tomball. What better way to do that than to have Baker Hughes host 20 Tomball ISD students and expose them to the amazing work taking place right down the street from where they go to school?" Violette said in the release. "It is a truly valuable partnership."