Spring Branch ISD Featured News

In Spring Branch ISD (SBISD), strong schools are built through meaningful partnerships with local businesses that believe in students, educators, and the future of the community.

CITGO is an SBISD Good Neighbor, providing support that helps students access opportunities, explore career pathways, and prepare for life beyond graduation.

One example of CITGO’s impact is its investment in after-school STEM Clubs at three SBISD middle school campuses. This initiative is funded through the Spring Branch Education Foundation and provides students with hands-on robotics and coding experiences using LEGO Spike technology. For many students, it is their first opportunity to build and program a robot and engage in real-world problem-solving.

Through the STEM Clubs, students learn to write code, design mechanical solutions, test ideas, and collaborate with peers. Rather than simply following instructions, students are encouraged to think critically, learn from mistakes, and refine their work. Teachers observe students demonstrating leadership, creativity, and persistence, particularly students who may not always shine in traditional classroom settings.

Families share that students look forward to attending STEM Club and talk enthusiastically at home about what they are building and learning. Parents also note increased confidence and motivation as their children work through challenges and experience success.

In addition to its support of STEM Clubs through SBEF, CITGO operates a direct scholarship program for SBISD juniors and seniors.

These scholarships are administered independently by CITGO and support students pursuing two-year or four-year degrees across multiple areas of interest, including STEM, arts, athletics, and service. This direct investment helps students take the next step toward their postsecondary goals.

Prior to the STEM Clubs initiative, CITGO-funded support through SBEF focused on STEM enrichment field trips. That earlier investment helped introduce students to technical careers and industry pathways through experiences such as visits to Texas A&M Engineering and other hands-on learning opportunities.

Together, these efforts directly support SBISD’s T-2-4 vision. By investing in students at multiple stages of their educational journey, CITGO helps develop the core characteristics of a T-2-4-ready graduate, including critical thinking, collaboration, perseverance, and problem-solving.

CITGO’s partnership reflects a shared understanding that supporting public education strengthens Houston’s future workforce. When businesses invest in students through direct scholarships and STEM learning opportunities, they help build a talent pipeline that benefits the entire community.

This is the impact of being an SBISD Good Neighbor. It is one of the many ways SBISD partners with business leaders to support student success and shape the future of the region.

Learn how you can become an SBISD Good Neighbor