Texas is home to innovative technology, energy, manufacturing and healthcare industries impacting millions of people across the globe. The freedom and passion in which our professionals pursue excellence results in the most cutting-edge advancements across America’s key industries in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). In an effort to ensure we maintain this lead, Texas schools have become increasingly more focused on providing high-quality education in STEM as we race to prepare our students to meet the demands of our society.

Harmony Public Schools, Texas’ largest charter school network with 48 high-performing campuses and 32,000 students, leads this effort, striving to give our students, most of whom are from traditionally underserved areas, an education which helps launch them to top-tier colleges and universities, and clinch careers with lucrative STEM companies across the nation.

As part of this mission, Harmony hosts an international science competition each year. International Sustainable World Energy, Engineering, and Environment Projects – or ISWEEEP -- attracts the brightest STEM students in the world to Houston. This four-day event draws nearly 400 international students whose research or inventions dramatically impact the energy, engineering or environment sectors. Research is judged by more than 300 leading industry professionals across Texas, including experts from Rice University, ExxonMobil, and MD Anderson Cancer Center.

ISWEEEP impacts thousands of students across the globe. Whether through supporting their innovative research, providing them access to current industry leaders, or inspiring them during a field trip, participation in ISWEEEP encourages budding scientists to reimagine the world around them.

This year, ISWEEEP will host a Public Day to inspire Texas students from around the state. Students will see dynamic and innovative science exhibits that strive to address, and in many cases solve, the most pressing needs of our future. Public Day kicks off at 9 a.m. Friday, May 5, and features explosive performances from the Texas A&M Chemistry Road Show, interactive robotics displays, and solar car races. Students will be given “passports” to use throughout the event which they will have stamped at exhibits from around the world. Educational vendors will be available to provide valuable information for teachers looking to strengthen their STEM education skills.

There are multiple ways schools can become partners in this exciting program to ensure ISWEEEP’s 10th year is the best year yet! First, teachers can encourage their students to begin their innovative research now to submit for our 2018 competition. Teachers and administrators can register to be a judge for this year’s competition, providing valuable and quality feedback for student projects. Finally, administrators can make it possible to bring students to view the exhibits for future inspiration.

Become a partner in Texas’ future by spreading the word about this amazing event and coming to Public Day to support these brilliant students in their work.

For more information on how to participate, please visit ISWEEEP. Make sure to reserve your spot today!