In Texas, high schools bet on a bright future for oil and gas careers under Trump

Texas Schools Double Down on Fossil Fuels: A New Era for Energy Careers?

In the heart of West Texas, a 17-year-old senior is meticulously navigating a complex simulated oil rig, his focus sharp on preventing a simulated leak. This isn't a scene from a professional training facility, but a high school classroom at Midland College. Dylan Ruiz, a student at Legacy High School, is one of approximately 100 students enrolled in a specialized program designed to equip them for the demanding, and potentially lucrative, world of oil and gas extraction.

The program, Midland College’s Petroleum Energy Program, offers dual high school and college credit for free courses covering the fundamentals of oil and gas production. It’s a direct pipeline from the classroom to an industry that, despite global shifts towards renewable energy, remains a cornerstone of the Texas economy.

A Resurgence Fueled by Policy Shifts

For over a decade, the oil and gas industry has invested millions in K-12 education across Texas, aiming to cultivate a new generation of skilled workers as experienced professionals approach retirement. This effort, once potentially threatened by the nation's pivot towards clean energy, appears to have found renewed vigor.

Educators in Texas suggest that a renewed federal emphasis on fossil fuel extraction has revitalized these programs. This policy shift has created a sense of optimism, particularly in regions like Midland, where the economy is intrinsically linked to the energy sector.

The allure of high-paying jobs is undeniable. Oil and natural gas positions in Texas command some of the highest wages, with average annual salaries reaching approximately $86,298 in 2024, according to the Texas Workforce Commission. The Petroleum Energy Program specifically targets roles that support engineers and scientists in the critical tasks of finding and extracting oil and gas.

“We absolutely need those workers,” states Kathy Shannon, a former executive director of the Permian Basin Petroleum Museum and a staunch advocate for energy education. Her work, alongside the school district, has focused on igniting student interest in STEM fields and highlighting the robust career opportunities within the industry. She emphasizes the importance of “enticing these kiddos and teaching them about the industry and why it’s a great living.”

Midland's Bet on the Black Gold Pipeline

Midland, situated in the vast Permian Basin, is a community where the rhythm of life is dictated by the rise and fall of oil prices. The iconic pumpjacks, symbols of prosperity, dot the landscape, a constant reminder of the industry's deep roots and economic significance.

The Petroleum Energy Program, initially established as the Petroleum Academy in 2015 through a collaboration between the Midland Independent School District and Midland College, was conceived with a clear objective: to prepare students for immediate employment in the oil and gas sector upon graduation from high school.

This initiative aligns with broader state legislative efforts. Since 2013, Texas lawmakers have championed career-oriented education, encouraging students to pursue industry certifications. Subsequent legislation in 2023 and 2025 has further expanded access to career training and dual-credit courses, while simultaneously reducing the burden of standardized testing for graduation.

Since 2018, Midland College has seen a significant number of high school students—1,098 enrollments—participate in its Petroleum Energy Program's dual credit offerings. While enrollment peaked at 211 students in the 2020-21 academic year, it has since seen a slight dip to 93 students this year. College administrators are hopeful that the renewed national focus on oil and gas will spur a resurgence in these numbers.

Industry's Hand in Shaping Education

The commitment to energy education extends beyond the classroom curriculum. The Midland school district, backed by a $1.4 billion taxpayer-approved bond, is constructing a new high school slated to open in August 2028. This campus will feature an expanded STEM focus, bolstered by a partnership with Chevron, which has contributed $145,000 to enhance coursework and training opportunities in the oil and gas industry.

Banners of local energy giants like Diamondback Energy adorn the hallways of Midland College, underscoring the close ties between the institution and the industry. Representatives from these companies actively participate in the program's advisory board, host job fairs, workshops, and field trips, and provide crucial insights into the evolving needs of the sector.

Many faculty and staff within the Petroleum Energy Program are seasoned professionals or former employees of the oil and gas industry, bringing invaluable real-world experience to their teaching. Erick Gutierrez, a department chair at Midland College and a leader in the program, himself worked in the oil fields of Midland in the early 2000s before transitioning to education.

This industry involvement extends to curriculum development, ensuring that students are prepared for entry-level positions such as lease operators, lease managers, and general field service technicians. The program emphasizes hands-on training with simulators, preparing students for the inherent risks and technical demands of the oil and gas environment.

For students aspiring to higher education in energy fields, aiming for roles like petroleum engineers or geologists, companies like Chevron offer scholarships to alleviate the financial burden of pursuing bachelor's degrees.

Gutierrez notes a palpable shift in student aspirations. Previously, many students viewed Midland as a place to leave due to a challenging job market. However, with the current political climate favoring increased fossil fuel production, more students are choosing to stay and build their careers locally. He observes a trend towards greater consistency in the industry, with companies adopting leaner operational strategies to mitigate layoffs.

While acknowledging that some students express concerns about the environmental impact of the industry, Gutierrez points out that the program incorporates discussions on the industry's efforts to reduce its carbon footprint.

A Broader Energy Landscape in Houston

Contrast this focused approach with the broader energy education offered at Houston’s Energy Institute High School. Located eight hours away from Midland, this magnet school, which opened in 2013 during an oil boom, provides students with a curriculum that spans engineering and alternative energy, including nuclear power and renewables.

The school’s high-tech resources and specialized teacher training are significantly supported by donations from major energy companies such as Phillips 66 and BP. Initially funded by a federal program for magnet schools, the institute also collaborated with the education arm of the Independent Petroleum Association of America to shape its curriculum, preparing students for diverse roles within the energy sector, from engineering to law and lobbying.

Lori Lambropoulos, the principal of Energy Institute High School, highlights the critical role of industry contributions in delivering high-quality, hands-on educational experiences. Despite increased competition for such funding as more STEM programs emerge in Houston schools, BP remains a key benefactor, even sponsoring the school’s student lounge.

The financial backing from the energy sector unlocks significant educational opportunities for students, irrespective of their chosen career path. Alexander Hernandez, a 2024 graduate, was drawn to Energy Institute not for a specific career in oil and gas, but because it offered the best educational environment in his neighborhood. He is now pursuing studies in neurodegenerative diseases at Harvard University.

In a senior capstone class, students are actively engaged in designing a flood protection system prototype for Cheniere Energy, a liquefied natural gas company whose coastal facility in Louisiana is prone to flooding. Ramon Khattar Hatem, a senior, explained the company's concern and their request for student-led design solutions.

Calvin Mark, the teacher, mentioned that Cheniere Energy reached out via LinkedIn to explore internship possibilities for his students. Hatem, like many of his peers, plans to pursue a college degree in engineering, possibly with a focus on environmental engineering.

Navigating the Climate Science Divide

While the oil and gas industry invests heavily in showcasing career opportunities, a concurrent trend is emerging in the educational landscape regarding climate science. In 2023, the Republican-controlled Texas State Board of Education voted to remove climate science lessons from proposed eighth-grade textbooks, citing concerns about perceived unfair portrayals of the oil and gas industry.

Although Texas public school districts are not mandated to use the board's approved textbooks, many opt to do so to ensure alignment with state curriculum standards. This decision has sparked debate about the influence of industry interests on science education.

Beyond textbook adoptions, a network of over a dozen oil and gas companies, industry lobbying groups, and professional organizations actively shape students' career perceptions. They fund statewide initiatives that offer scholarships, promote pro-fossil-fuel curriculum, and support learning opportunities at museums and other cultural institutions.

The Texas Energy Council, a Dallas-based nonprofit, exemplifies this outreach by providing college scholarships for students interested in energy-related fields. They also collaborate with industry-affiliated museums, such as the Permian Basin Petroleum Museum, to organize job fairs, bring in guest speakers, and conduct other outreach activities.

Shannon believes these programs are instrumental in fostering early interest in STEM and cultivating positive associations with the oil and gas sector, potentially guiding students toward careers within the industry. She emphasizes the need for both "dreamers" and "workers."

The Permian Basin Petroleum Museum continues to receive significant support, including a $50,000 grant from Exxon in 2025 for free student admissions. They also host free Family Science Nights, staffed by volunteers from Chevron.

In Houston, the Energy Education Foundation, a nonprofit organization, offers traveling exhibits designed to introduce students in grades 5-8 to careers in oil and gas. Teachers can arrange for these exhibits to visit their schools, where students engage with learning modules on tablets about working in the industry.

Fernando Hinojosa, the foundation's former director of education and museum operations, expressed ambitions for expanding these educational initiatives, stating, "The east, west, north, wherever we can." He added, "Energy is an international topic, so, yeah, maybe going international one day."

Back in Midland, Dylan Ruiz acknowledges the perceived dangers of the oil and gas industry but feels well-prepared by the safety training he has received. He is considering pursuing an associate's degree at Midland College, aided by available scholarships, or entering the workforce directly after graduation, potentially with a company like Diamondback Energy.

He notes the visible presence of sponsoring companies like Diamondback on campus and in his high school, highlighting their role in providing essential equipment and resources. Ruiz, inspired by his father's encouragement to pursue a stable career, sees the oil and gas industry as a promising path forward, one that offers the potential to surpass his father's own career trajectory.