This is the first high school petroleum education program of its kind in the Metroplex with crucial support from Mayor Mike Moncrief, the TCU Energy Institute, local school officials and a key energy association. This new program was originally developed by the Independent Petroleum Association of America (IPAA) to help address the national challenge of becoming more energy independent and the growing concern of an aging workforce in the energy business.

According to Doris Richardson, an IPAA director, this program will initially have about 50 students thanks to an initial grant from Quicksilver Resources.

“We will support the curriculum development and the energy-related guest speaker series using students from our energy club and local industry leaders," said Energy Institute Director, Ken Morgan. "We plan to work with IPAA, the Mayor, energy companies and other school districts to expand this exciting program over the next few years.”

Mayor Mike Moncrief, who will attend the opening, said the program is a perfect fit for Fort Worth because of the city’s longtime contributions to the development of energy fuels.

Others making presentations at the opening include: Barry Russell, President/Chief Executive Officer of IPAA; Larry Brogdon, Chair of TCU Energy Institute Board of Advisors;  Julie Wilson, VP of Public Affairs, Chesapeake Energy; Dr. Melody Johnson, Superintendent Fort Worth ISD; Ray Dickerson, Chairman of the Fort Worth ISD Board of Education; Randal Mays, President of Junior Achievement; Ben Voigt, President of TCU Energy Club and Yassmin Lee, Principal of Southwest High School.