LAKE CHARLES, LOUISIANA – November 13, 2018
SOWELA Technical Community College named CITGO Petroleum Corporation (CITGO) its 2018 Philanthropic Honoree on Tuesday, November 13, 2018, at the annual Association of Fundraising Professionals National Philanthropy Day luncheon. The company was recognized due to CITGO’s commitment to increasing educational opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) that opens doors to rewarding careers.
In 2016, CITGO launched a social responsibility program called the CITGO STEM Talent Pipeline with a mission to increase the talent pool of professionals with the technical skills necessary to meet the industry’s workforce needs. The community-centered program aims to increase access to STEM-related educational opportunities and support students from school to the workforce. CITGO’s multi-year, continued support of SOWELA’s STEM-focused academics, both through scholarships and programs, is indicative of their commitment to this mission.
In addition to financial support, CITGO has proven that it is responsive and adaptive to the changing needs of the workforce industry by serving on SOWELA academic advisory committees. Participation by CITGO employees provide relevant and timely industry insight to enhance curriculum. SOWELA relies on these industry insiders to keep academics aligned with what is required and expected in the field.
About SOWELA
SOWELA Technical Community College provides traditional, distance, and lifelong learning experiences and awards associate degrees, technical diplomas, and certificates. The College empowers learners in career and technical education and enables transfer students to pursue a four-year degree so all learners excel as globally competitive citizens. The College has been educating the region’s workforce for 80 years and has locations in Jennings, Lake Charles, and Oakdale, LA.