At Marathon Petroleum, our commitment to community also means investing in the next generation of experts – from engineers to pipefitters, IT specialists to welders - we’re supporting programs that help students learn about and train for the jobs of tomorrow. November 8 is nationally known as STEAM Day, a day to recognize science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics education. At Marathon Petroleum, we work year-round to advance thriving communities and workforce development across the areas in which we operate.

Here are some of our latest STEAM investments:

Los Angeles refinery

Recently, Marathon Petroleum’s Los Angeles refinery invested $60,000 in the Long Beach Public Library’s Mobile Studio. The Mobile Studio hosts STEAM workshops at multiple locations throughout Long Beach, including branch libraries, parks, schools, and community events.

“Our goal is to invest in the local workforce, through opportunities that will better prepare individuals, especially our young people, for a road to success,” said Brad Levi, Vice President of Refining at the Los Angeles refinery.

Galveston Bay refinery

At Marathon Petroleum’s Galveston Bay refinery in Texas, the Women’s Network held its 4^th annual Girl Scout STEM Day in October. More than 50 high school and middle school students attended this year’s event, participating in hands-on activities to learn more about STEAM in the real world. It was also an opportunity to meet and interact with women in the energy industry.

“We had to cancel the event last year due to COVID, so we were so excited to welcome the girls back this year,” said Kevin Bogard, Vice President of Refining at the Galveston Bay refinery. “They really enjoyed the day and saw first-hand that this is a career path for anyone.”

Salt Lake City refinery

In Utah, Marathon Petroleum’s Salt Lake City refinery has been instrumental in supporting the state’s STEAM education programs, including sponsorship of the 2021 Northern Utah STEM Expo—held on STEM/STEAM Day. The expo hosts students from multiple school districts and provides students and teachers the opportunity to engage in hands-on demonstrations and workshops.

“We take great pride in our role of increasing access to high-quality educational training and career readiness,” said Eric Sjunnesen, Refining General Manager at the Salt Lake City refinery. “Many of these students are finding out through events like the STEM Expo, that a future in our industry is a reality for them—that’s why we do it.”

Learn more about Marathon Petroleum’s community investment strategy, centered around strengthening communities and helping make people’s lives better.