Minority Serving Institutions Initiative equips HBCU students with tools and opportunities to excel in the energy industry
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Posted By: Reginald Culpepper on October 02, 2024 By: Jackie DeFreitas More than ever, the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) are fueling innovation around the world. Everything from renewable energy to 3D printing to artificial intelligence is being driven by advances achieved in STEM disciplines. The teams behind these groundbreaking developments have become increasingly diverse, reflecting a broader range of experiences and perspectives. This diversity has proven invaluable, driving creativity and innovation by bringing different viewpoints to the table. And this influence of diverse teams is evident in everything from advancements in renewable energy to breakthroughs in artificial intelligence. When varied voices collaborate, the solutions they create are more robust and effective, ultimately leading to better STEM outcomes. You’ve likely witnessed this first-hand throughout your everyday lives; for instance, when “smart” devices offer truly personalized experiences that reflect an insightful understanding of user needs. Recognizing the importance of cultivating a diverse and inclusive workforce, the American Petroleum Institute (API) launched the Minority Serving Institutions (MSI) Initiative. The program builds partnerships between API and engineering programs at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and other minority-serving institutions, equipping students with the tools and opportunities to thrive in the natural gas and oil industry. Bridging the Gap: The Mission of the MSI Initiative For many young professionals today, learning how to utilize skillsets developed in college into a future career can be daunting. Enter API and its MSI Initiative. Through this program, API provides free access to its catalog of over 800 industry standards along with resources that provide professors and their students with technical guidance that applies to nearly every facet of oil and natural gas operations. These standards, regarded globally as the benchmark for operational excellence, guide everything from equipment design to workflow procedures, ensuring that the industry operates safely and sustainably. For students, gaining access to these standards is a high-level academic advantage that provides a direct pathway to career success. By integrating these standards into their curriculum, schools can provide a more comprehensive and practical education that aligns closely with contemporary workplace needs. The program also promotes internship opportunities at API, providing students with real-world experience and meaningful connections to potential post-college work opportunities. By teaming up with educational institutions and industry, we strive to support the next generation of engineers, scientists, and industry professionals, setting a solid foundation for their professional careers. For MSI Initiative participants, these internships and exposure to API standards make them more competitive in the job market, providing them with unparalleled experience as they enter the workforce. Growing towards a Bright Future Currently, MSI is working closely with HBCUs like Prairie View A&M University, Southern University, Grambling State University, among others, and it is making a significant impact, helping students build important connections, gain real-world experience and prepare for the challenges and opportunities of a career in energy. While this progress is impressive, I feel our real work is just beginning. According to a recent study, Hispanics and African Americans will account for nearly 42% of our industry’s 1.9 million jobs over the coming years, underscoring the importance of helping these communities thrive in oil and natural gas careers. Our goal is to continue to enhance diversity across our industry’s workforce, helping to make us stronger and more resilient as an industry and nation. The API MSI Initiative is an important program that will help us achieve that goal. HBCU administrators partnering with API can help shape the future of their students, positioning them to lead and innovate within the energy industry. For information and to learn how your school can get involved with MSI, visit https://www.api.org/products-and-services/... About The Author Jackie DeFreitas is a program manager in Intellectual Property & Distribution (IP&D) which falls under API’s Global Industry Services (GIS) division. She joined API in 2014 as part of GIS’ Monogram/APIQR team and transitioned to IP&D in 2016. As part of her current role, Jackie will be focusing on advancing API’s MSI Initiative. She graduated with a B.S. in International Business from Old Dominion University in 2010. If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
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Reginald Culpepper
President, Fulfillment and Web Services, HBCUCONNECT Clark Atlanta University class of 1998 Member Since September 2000 |
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