Insights from the Energy Education Information Exchange 

Hosted by Coterra in Oklahoma City

Coterra Energy recently convened key education allies in Oklahoma City for the Energy Education Information Exchange. This two-day event provided a platform for partners to delve into the wealth of educational resources offered by the Oklahoma Energy Resources Board (OERB) and their partners, collaborate on energy education initiatives happening across Coterra’s operating areas, and lay the groundwork for future collaborations. 

The exchange commenced with a message from Brook Simmons, President of The Petroleum Alliance of Oklahoma, who underscored the critical importance of the oil and gas industry to the state. Oklahoma is home to over 4,000 oil and gas businesses. Collectively boasting $64.9 billion in economic impact, making up 27% of the statewide economic activity. In the state, $1 in every $6 of household income is derived from oil and gas activity.

Coterra and our education allies met in Oklahoma City to discuss how we can best use resources from the Oklahoma Energy Resources Board (OERB) and their partners to fuel energy education initiatives.

The OERB is the only program of its kind, funded voluntarily by royalty owners and producers, working to create a better Oklahoma. A significant focus of OERB’s impact is on education, having reached 2.3 million students and invested $56 million into student education since its inception.

Exchange participants experienced a condensed Master Teacher Workshop, where they learned how Oklahoma teachers can become OERB Master Teachers, what lessons are available, and how to access the accompanying resources. The OERB showcased their extensive work, sharing about the partnership programs for student field trips, Petro Pete children’s books, the Petro Pro Volunteer program, the Petro Tech Technical Training Program, Well Site Safety Days, Community STEM Nights, student scholarships, teacher grants, and road safety workshops. 

A tour of the OERB warehouse offered a behind-the-scenes look into the hub of OERB’s educational initiatives, specifically in assembling Knowledge Boxes. These kits, filled with valuable resources, are provided free to Oklahoma teachers who have undergone the corresponding training. Exchange attendees had the opportunity to load their vehicles with supplies and Knowledge Boxes, carrying these resources back to their home states.

Part of the day was spent assembling Knowledge Boxes, which included books, worksheets, and other teaching materials. These will be offered to teachers for free, provided they have taken the training on how to use these boxes in the classroom.

The Exchange shed light on OERB’s impactful partnerships and how these are leveraged to achieve maximum impact. The group visited the Science Museum Oklahoma, where participants explored hands-on learning and enjoyed a private showing of one of the museum’s live science shows. A guided tour of the OSU Hamm Institute for American Energy explored the next steps of education and research. The Institute takes an innovative approach to research, focusing on energy security, energy innovation, and the advancement of energy to support global demand through its fellowship programs.

Two of Coterra’s industry partners were featured. Jacob Bruster of Unit Drilling, a former educator, shared his journey from education to the energy industry, sharing potential collaborations between the two sectors that would enhance opportunities for students. At Cactus Wellhead, the group learned about the manufacturing and servicing processes associated with oil and gas drilling and completion.

Coterra brought educators and administrators from New Mexico and Pennsylvania together for the Energy Education Information Exchange. It was a day filled with exciting, collaborative energy!

The Energy Education Information Exchange served as a catalyst for collaboration and empowerment. As education allies explored OERB’s initiatives, they gained valuable insights to ignite educational transformations in their respective communities. By aligning industry needs with educational programs, events like these pave the way for a future where knowledge, innovation, and community collaboration drive the energy sector’s sustainable growth. Coterra’s commitment to education remains steadfast, contributing to a brighter and more informed tomorrow.

Oklahoma teachers can request training and materials through OERB Homeroom. For educators outside of Oklahoma, the OERB offers a wealth of public-domain resources, including their Virtual Classroom, which includes videos, worksheets, and lesson guides. 

Becca Myers

Becca is the External Affairs Specialist at Coterra Energy. She coordinates many different community events across the Permian Basin.

Prior to her position at Coterra Energy, Becca worked as the Project Development Manager at the Education Partnership of the Permian Basin. She received a B.A. in International Relations, Spanish, and Political Science from Texas Tech University and a Master’s Degree in Applied Research Psychology from The University of Texas Permian Basin.