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The Kinder Morgan Foundation (KMF) is focused on benefiting communities that are home to our major operating areas. We believe that STEM programming is particularly important in our local schools to inspire the next generation to continue to make a difference and tackle challenges and embrace opportunities in the evolving energy industry. In the same area as many of our Gulf Coast Terminal facilities, Pasadena ISD is a Title 1 school district and the 16th largest in the state of Texas. Close to 80% of its students are classified as economically disadvantaged and the Pasadena ISD Education Foundation (PISDEF) strives to fund programs to narrow the achievement gap.
“The PISDEF is focused on facilitating academic equity for all, promoting innovation and engagement in the classrooms and supporting STEM for Pre-K to 12th grade,” said Director of Community Relations Emily Ontiveros. “We have assisted many classrooms and clubs, including the district-wide robotics team who has won numerous awards at the state and national level.”
The KMF began involving the PISDEF in its grant process in 2021 at the recommendation of Kinder Morgan’s Vice President of the Gulf Region Terminals Brad Miller.
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The KMF requires that 100% of the funds awarded to grant recipients reach students rather than covering other expenses related to administrative or fundraising activities. In 2021 alone, PISDEF awarded over $260,000 in mini grants to support STEM programming for its minority and female students, and nearly 20% was covered by the KMF’s grant.
“The funds allowed our teachers to purchase much-needed educational supplies to make a positive impact on student’s success,” said Ontiveros. “Kinder Morgan’s support resulted in more students becoming excited about STEM education and, in turn, prepared these students for a rewarding future in STEM-related fields. The impact we have made because of their support made them a clear choice to receive our annual Community Shining Stars Award.”
The KMF was presented with the award during PISDEF’s 2023 Annual Shining Stars gala in May. Miller accepted the award on behalf of the KMF.
“We were honored to receive the Community Shining Stars Award,” said Miller. “We look forward to working with the PISDEF in the future and helping them support this community for many years to come.”
“The funds allowed our teachers to purchase much-needed educational supplies to make a positive impact on student’s success,” said Ontiveros. “Kinder Morgan’s support resulted in more students becoming excited about STEM education and, in turn, prepared these students for a rewarding future in STEM-related fields. The impact we have made because of their support made them a clear choice to receive our annual Community Shining Stars Award.”
The KMF was presented with the award during PISDEF’s 2023 Annual Shining Stars gala in May. Miller accepted the award on behalf of the KMF.
“We were honored to receive the Community Shining Stars Award,” said Miller. “We look forward to working with the PISDEF in the future and helping them support this community for many years to come.”