Flanked by North Forest ISD students, administrators and officials, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee announced on Monday, Feb. 15, that BP North America, one of the world’s largest energy companies, has donated $1 million to North Forest ISD.
"We're here today for a number of reasons, most important of which are our children," she said. "This is what it's all about."
Teachers, parents, community leaders and district staff members filled the library at Forest Brook Middle School for the news.
NFISD Superintendent of Schools Dr. Adrain Johnson highlighted the district's plans for the donation, which include enhanced instruction in math, science and career & technology education through professional development opportunities, field trips, virtual learning, computer-based training, internships, special lectures and visits by energy industry professionals and much more.
Congresswoman Jackson Lee praised NFISD for being on the "cutting-edge" of an opportunity that mirrors the public-private partnerships to spur education and opportunity in C-STEM related fields recently championed by President Barack Obama.
"BP's donation creates an exciting opportunity for North Forest," Dr. Johnson said. "We sincerely thank BP for such a substantial gift that will assist us as we work to achieve our mission to meet the need for students to learn in a high-performance educational setting; and we look forward to working with BP as we implement plans."
Though the district's administration submitted a proposal to BP in order to receive the grant, both Dr. Johnson and NFISD Board of Managers President George McShan credit Congresswoman Jackson-Lee as a "catalyst" in the process whose advocacy on behalf of the district was instrumental in securing the donation.
In a surprise move, Congresswoman Jackson-Lee called Dr. Mae Jemison, the first Black woman to travel in space. Through speaker phone, Dr. Jemison encouraged the teachers and students assembled to continue to explore math and science education.
With some assistance from BP North America, NFISD will soon bring together a cross-section of stakeholders as it finalizes its plans for BP's donation.
"North Forest ISD will not only be committed, but we will be accountable for this," Mr. McShan said. "We are going to produce the kind of results that our students deserve."
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