Equity Supports Education in Science & Technology
Shaker Heights, Ohio.... The Equity Engineering Group, Inc., internationally recognized consultants to the oil refining and petrochemical industries, sponsored Claggett Middle School from Medina, Ohio in the Nordson Region IV Science Olympiad tournament. The firm provided funds to help offset the costs of entry fees, building and teaching materials, and a coaching clinic. For the second consecutive year, Claggett Middle School captured 2nd Place in the regional finals and went on to place 14th in Ohio State Finals held in April at the Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio.
Science Olympiad is North America’s most prestigious science and technology competition for elementary, middle and high school teams. Students compete in 23 events, challenging their science knowledge in biology, geology, chemistry, physics, earth and environmental sciences, technology and engineering applications. For the past 27 years, Science Olympiad has led a revolution in science education. What began as a grassroots assembly of science teachers is now one of the premiere science competitions in the nation, providing rigorous, standards-based challenges to 6,200 teams in 50 states. Science Olympiad's ever-changing event lineup provides a variety of career choices and exposure to practicing scientists and mentors.
Equity’s sponsorship of the Claggett team is in alignment with corporate goals to encourage students of all ages to pursue their education in engineering or science, with an emphasis on teamwork and a commitment to excellence.
In addition, as part of Equity’s Scholarship Program, up to 10 scholarships are awarded annually to high school seniors and university students in the greater Cleveland and Houston areas who intend to pursue careers in engineering or computer science. Scholarship recipients maintaining a grade point average of 3.0 or above are also eligible to participate in Equity’s Summer Internship Program.
"The objective of the Equity Scholarship Program is to educate students on the various careers available in the engineering and computer science fields," said David Osage, Equity Engineering CEO and President. "The world-wide shortage of engineers has created exciting new opportunities for graduates, and our goal is to encourage young people and give them a first-hand look at what we do."
In 2008, Equity kicked the scholarship program by hosting a Science Fair for high school students at the Great Lakes Science Center in Cleveland. Equity engineers and computer scientists discussed careers in various technology and engineering disciplines, including mechanical, civil and chemical engineering. In addition, there were hands-on demonstrations of some of Equity’s software applications and specialized tools.
"We hope that this educational initiative will encourage bright, young students to realize they can be on the front lines of the energy business, working on some of today's most important issues," said Equity Human Resources Director Gabriel Ortiz, who organized the program.
