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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Camila Gallardo
cgallardo@nclr.org
(305) 573-7329
Houston—Participants of NCLR’s (National Council of La Raza) Escalera Program: Taking Steps to Success will once again participate in a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)–focused job-shadowing experience on April 24–25 with employees of Houston-based Shell Oil Company. The Escalera Program is a national after-school program that aims to increase educational achievement and promote career planning among Latino youth by providing students with resources and assistance in meeting their educational goals. At NCLR Affiliate KIPP Houston High School, students who enroll in the Escalera Program during the second semester of their junior year must earn a high school diploma, complete a minimum of 80 hours of work or internship experience, and enroll in a postsecondary institution in order to graduate from the program.
Nineteen Escalera participants from KIPP Houston will be matched with members of the Shell Hispanic Employee Network who will provide mentoring and a hands-on learning experience at Shell’s Woodcreek location. The two-day program provides a pivotal opportunity for students to learn about possible future career paths within a STEM framework.
“We are proud to partner once again with Shell Oil Company on the job-shadowing experience for our Escalera participants. Shell has been a steadfast partner of NCLR in promoting the development of an educated and well-prepared Latino workforce,” said Simon Lopez, NCLR Senior Director of Workforce and Leadership Development.
“In partnering with NCLR and the KIPP Academy in Houston, our Shell employees have the opportunity to mentor bright young students as they build their confidence and skills. This exposure and encouragement from Shell will hopefully increase the likelihood that many of these young leaders will consider careers in the energy industry. This is a ‘win-win’ for all,” said Francene Young, Shell Vice President of Upstream Talent and U.S. Diversity.
Shell Oil Company has been a strong supporter of the KIPP Houston Escalera Program. Retired Shell Engineer Paul Spicer and his wife Kathy are mainstays of the program, having devoted countless hours to it since its inception. When this year’s Escalera students graduate next month, one will receive a $500 scholarship, an annual award named in the Spicers’ honor.
“The Shell job-shadowing experience provides important motivation for our students; having that local investment and support will no doubt have a positive impact on their future success,” said Lopez.
For more information about the NCLR Escalera Program, please visit www.nclr.org/escalera.
NCLR—the largest national Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization in the United States—works to improve opportunities for Hispanic Americans. For more information on NCLR, please visit www.nclr.org or follow along on Facebook and Twitter.
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