Citgo Lemont refinery project promotes STEM education

LEMONT - Citgo Petroleum Corp. employees from the Lemont refinery served as mentors teaching interactive workshops on diverse energy sources and sustainability to local middle and high school students as part of Project Infinite Green.

The locally based after school program offered middle- and high-school students the opportunity to learn about science, technology, engineering and mathematics from industry experts both inside and out of the classroom.

Founded in 2011, Project Infinite Green engages students from sixth to twelfth grade in twice-weekly classes and fieldwork studies focused on the energy industry. Throughout the fall semester, five Citgo Lemont Refinery employees prepared and presented lessons at Lemont High School, Old Quarry Middle School and St. Cyrils Middle School on

geology, molecular structure, the refining process and environmental stewardship that emphasized the science and business of sustainability

"We want to spark our children's interest in STEM-related subjects and encourage academic exploration on a local level," said Catherine Greenspon, co-founder of Project Infinite Green. "One thing that makes this program so special is the community involvement. The real-world experience that Citgo mentors have brought to the students involved in

Project Infinite Green is priceless."

Citgo is both an active participant and founding partner of Project Infinite Green, providing input in the sections related to the refining industry as an important part of the energy mix and the measures it takes to protect the environment. Since the program's creation five years ago, Citgo employees have dedicated their time to

teaching at Lemont-area schools. The company donates annually to Project Infinite Green and this year's support from Citgo went toward the cost of the curriculum, supplies and other program expenses for the academic year.