Abstract: Value of Community-Based Student Internship and Teacher Training Programs

HARA, PHILIP, Tidelands Oil Production Co., Long Beach, CA

The long-term growth of our upstream petroleum industry in California is dependent upon gaining community support. We must tie the future of our communities to our own future. Community-based student internship and teacher training programs are two of the most cost-effective methods for attracting the best talent to our industry, promoting industry awareness, and improving our industry image as a good neighbor.

The California Oil Mentoring and Entrepreneurial Training (COMET) Program for science teachers and high school students, the Derricks to Desks Program for teachers, and Texaco's Shadow Program for at-risk students are all excellent examples of effective community-based programs. Several COMET students have expressed a serious interest in the Petroleum Industry and are taking engineering courses at the University of Southern California. Our industry needs young talent with new skills to take over the reins from our mature technical professionals, whose average age is in the mid-forties. "Home-grown" employees and managers have more at stake and are more credible when promoting new projects for community approval than are managers from out of state. Even when participating students do not join our industry, they and their teachers can be powerful advocates to support our causes within the community.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90911©2000 AAPG Pacific Section and Western Region Society of Petroleum Engineers, Long Beach, California