CITGO Funds 24 STEM Initiatives Across Three States

CITGO Petroleum Corporation has committed about $686,000 to STEM-focused programs in Illinois, Louisiana, and Texas.

Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Scholarships

CITGO Funds 24 STEM Initiatives Across Three States

CITGO Petroleum Corporation invested approximately $686,000 in 24 STEM-focused initiatives across Illinois, Louisiana, and Texas. The funding is part of the CITGO STEM Program, which also renewed support for the CITGO Innovation Scholarship Program through Scholarship America.

Why it matters

The CITGO STEM Program aims to increase the number of students who graduate high school and enter STEM-related post-secondary programs. For students in the three states, the grants expand access to science, technology, engineering and math learning.

CITGO's STEM funding totals approximately $686,000 across 24 initiatives. The announcement does not break down the amount by program or specify the scholarship award sizes.

The players

CITGO Petroleum Corporation

CITGO Petroleum Corporation is a Houston-based refiner operating three refineries in Lake Charles, Louisiana; Lemont, Illinois; and Corpus Christi, Texas, with about 3,300 employees.

National Energy Education Development (NEED) Project

The National Energy Education Development Project is a nonprofit that provides energy education resources and teacher training to schools.

The details

CITGO Innovation Academies embed STEM learning into the daily classroom experience at partner schools, and grants go to schools and community partners in underserved areas. This year's funding includes a Signature Program grant to the National Energy Education Development (NEED) Project, which will train teachers in Corpus Christi, Texas, and Lemont, Illinois.

Nov. 5, 2026: CITGO announced approximately $686,000 in STEM grants.
2026: This year's grants fund 24 STEM-focused initiatives.

Culture Shift

The CITGO STEM Program, which pairs Innovation Academies with the CITGO Innovation Scholarship Program through Scholarship America, extends a corporate push to tie energy-sector employers to STEM pipelines in the three states where its refineries operate. Its goal of boosting high school graduation and entry into STEM post-secondary programs places it within that ongoing effort.

Students in Illinois, Louisiana, and Texas may gain access to CITGO Innovation Academies and grant-funded STEM programs at participating schools. The scholarship program is administered through Scholarship America, so interested students can pursue it through that organization.

The takeaway

Students interested in STEM careers can look for corporate-sponsored academies and scholarships in their region, since such programs often pair classroom learning with direct financial support. Checking with local schools about partner programs is a practical first step.