NextDecade partnership with UTRGV aims to stimulate STEM-based learning and boost local economy

EDINBURG, TEXAS – AUG. 31, 2016 – The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and NextDecade, LLC, developer of the proposed multi-billion dollar Rio Grande Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) project at the Port of Brownsville, have entered into a strategic partnership to foster STEM-based (science, technology, engineering and math) education programs, facilitate research and job training opportunities for UTRGV students, and promote collaboration between academia and industry as they seek common solutions to societal challenges today and into the future.

The partnership was formed through a common belief that STEM learning and research programs provide pathway opportunities for students to enter the workforce in the energy, engineering and technology industries. The program also will serve to bolster local social and economic development and will be tailored to meet the needs of the community as well as of prospective employers.

“Energy forms the basis for economic growth and many of our interdependent infrastructures, including transportation, water, manufacturing, security, information systems and healthy communities,” said Dr. Alex Domijan, professor and dean of the UTRGV College of Engineering and Computer Science. “This partnership will bring wonderful opportunities to provide a path to a better life for people in our region and connect us with global opportunities, as well.”

Domijan said UTRGV is positioned to be the place of first choice nationally in education and research.

“We get things done, and our college will have professors and staff in all parts of the Valley working with the cities and counties. The College of Engineering and Computer Science strategy is all about compassion, community and technology, in that order, and moving forward, the partnerships we enter into are built on providing value to the people of the Valley, such as expanding job opportunities and producing innovations,” he said.

“This partnership with NextDecade will enable us to do just that, and more specifically will promote a close collaboration between academia, industry, citizens and government by providing energy, engineering and technology opportunities locally.”

The Rio Grande LNG project is currently the largest proposed private investment in the state of Texas. By working closely with educational and business organizations throughout the Valley, NextDecade hopes to maximize benefits to the Valley community.

“NextDecade is passionate about inspiring today’s youth,” said Kathleen Eisbrenner, chair and CEO of NextDecade. “We support STEM education programming and have placed special emphasis in the Rio Grande Valley region, where we have a vested interest to attract and retain local talent. Our hope is that this partnership will have a significant long-term beneficial impact for all UTRGV students and the community in which it operates.”

Eisbrenner has long been a mentor and advocate for young people, recently being named to the board of Junior Achievement of Southeast Texas, a volunteer-based organization that fosters work-readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy skills, through the use of experiential learning to inspire students to dream big and reach their potential.

The partnership comes just as UTRGV celebrates its one-year anniversary. 

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Learn more about UTRGV at www.UTRGV.edu