High School Students "Energized" About Careers, Collaboration Camp

NEW ORLEANS, June 23, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Area high school students from nine public schools will gain hands-on experience and explore careers related to energy industries at a week-long pilot camp in New Orleans. The camp is intended to encourage students to consider the energy industry as a viable option for an exciting career, to sharpen their science and math skills, and to work together successfully with new and different friends. It is being sponsored and coordinated by Shell Oil Company (Shell) and the University of New Orleans (UNO), both of which have a direct interest in encouraging young students to study science, engineering and technology. The third event sponsor and coordinator is The Burge Group, LLC, an educational resource organization.

The majority of the day camp will be held in classrooms at UNO where students will conduct scientific experiments. Additionally, they will participate in field explorations such as a visit to a virtual imaging center at One Shell Square. At the Shell Robert Training & Conference Center, students will learn about drilling for oil and gas in both classroom and simulated drill environments and hear from Shell employees about a variety of careers in energy-related fields. At UNO's Coastal Education Research Facility (CERF), students will canoe in the marshes to collect organism samples for identification and analysis exercises. The camp will conclude with group presentations about the students' experiences to their parents, teachers and representatives from Shell and UNO.

"Giving young people real world, hands-on experiences provides the relevance needed to make what they are learning truly interesting and important to them," said Dr. Ivan Gill, Director of Science Education at UNO and lead instructor for the camp. "And when kids are turned on to learning, their academic achievement usually increases as well. That's what we're after, as well as to point them in the direction of exciting career options," he added.

The three sponsors believe that engaging students in project-based educational activities, recording their experiences and presenting their learnings will enlarge their appreciation of others' abilities, enhance communication skills and build self-confidence. All these skills will make them better students and better employees when they take their place in the workforce.

Media are welcome to attend the camp and observe participants at select times:

• Monday, June 27 – UNO Bicentennial Education Building, Room 307, Founders Way, fourth building north of Leon C. Simon Drive, New Orleans, 8:00am – 3:00pm
• Wednesday, June 29 - Shell Robert Training Center, 23260 Shell Lane, Robert, LA 11:00am – 2:00pm
• Thursday, June 30 – UNO CERF, 2000 Lakeshore Drive, New Orleans, 10:00am – 1:00pm
• Friday, July 1 - UNO Bicentennial Education Building, Room 307, Founders Way, fourth building north of Leon C. Simon Drive, New Orleans, 8:00am – 2:00pm

The University of New Orleans, a major statewide research university, drives and supports the development of the educational, economic, and social well-being of the culturally rich New Orleans metropolitan area, the State of Louisiana, the nation, and the global community. The university's technological and cultural alliances connect the institution, its faculty, and its students to the community through joint projects with public schools, governments, foundations, businesses, and civic groups, enriching opportunities for learning and community growth. For more information, visit www.uno.edu

With its mission to be a catalyst for the implementation of 21st century approaches to teaching and learning, The Burge Group, LLC was largely responsible for bringing the New Technology High School high school redesign model to Louisiana and supporting the expansion of National Academy Foundation career academies in high schools across the state. In partnering with Shell and UNO to manage the initial Energy Camp Louisiana/New Orleans Project, The Burge Group is continuing its vision of preparing all youth to graduate from high school prepared for the pursuit of postsecondary education and a viable 21st century career.

Shell Oil Company is an affiliate of the Shell Group [(NYSE:RDS.A) and (NYSE:RDS.B)]. Royal Dutch Shell plc is incorporated in England and Wales, has its headquarters in The Hague and is listed on the London, Amsterdam, and New York stock exchanges. Shell companies have operations in more than 100 countries with businesses including oil and gas exploration and production; production and marketing of Liquefied Natural Gas and Gas to Liquids; manufacturing, marketing and shipping of oil products and chemicals and renewable energy projects including wind and solar power. For further information, visit www.shell.com

SOURCE Shell Oil Company