STEM, ENERGY EDUCATION, AND THE POWER OF COMMUNITY, BY TAI PRINCE
December 8, 2025
November has always been a meaningful month for me, but this year it carried a few special reasons to pause, reflect, and recommit to the work that inspires me most: advancing STEM and energy education for the next generation. As I celebrated National STEM Day and reflected on the progress made across our community, I was reminded of how organizations like WEN continue to serve as catalysts for impact - empowering students, developing leaders, and shaping the future of the energy industry.
Celebrating National STEM Day: Inspiring Curiosity, Innovation, and Opportunity
National STEM Day is more than a date on the calendar, it’s a reminder of what becomes possible when young minds are encouraged to explore, experiment, and innovate. Across the country, educators, nonprofits, and industry leaders use this day to spotlight the importance of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in shaping tomorrow’s workforce.
For WEN Houston, our commitment to STEM is ongoing and deeply rooted. From scholarships to hands-on experiences, mentorship to community outreach, we recognize that the path to a thriving energy future begins long before a student chooses a college or career. It begins when a spark of curiosity is nurtured, often by people and programs dedicated to creating access and opportunity.
Young Women Energized (YWE): Building the Pipeline of Future Energy Leaders
One of the most powerful examples of WEN’s impact is Young Women Energized (YWE), a signature program dedicated to engaging and supporting high-school girls interested in STEM and energy careers. The YWE Houston Scholarship Program continues to break barriers by providing both financial support and exposure to professional women who lead our industry forward.
This year, YWE Houston again demonstrated its significance:
- Sessions that demystify STEM careers and highlight diverse pathways
- Inspiration from women engineers, scientists, innovators, and executives
- Scholarships that open doors to higher education
- A community of support that follows these young women well beyond one event
YWE and STEM programs across the WEN organization - from Houston to the Permian Basin to Oklahoma - share this mission. Collectively, they represent one of the strongest, most authentic pipelines for future energy talent in the country.
Mentoring Programs: The Heart of Long-Term Transformation
Beyond student outreach, WEN Houston’s mentoring programs play a critical role in shaping the workforce already inside our industry. Pairing emerging leaders with experienced professionals provides space for honest conversation, skill building, and growth that accelerates careers.
Whether someone is navigating early-career challenges, exploring a leadership pathway, returning to the workforce, or preparing for executive roles, mentoring creates continuity. It ensures that knowledge is passed on, that barriers are reduced, and that the cycle of empowerment continues.
These programs complement our STEM outreach beautifully—because mentorship is what sustains talent after STEM programs spark interest.
Why This Work Matters Now More Than Ever
We are in a transformative moment in the energy landscape. The future demands innovation, collaboration, and bold thinking. STEM education ensures the next generation has the skills to meet these challenges; WEN ensures they have the support.
When we combine opportunity with mentorship, representation, and community, we create leaders who not only succeed, but also return to uplift others.
That is the power of WEN.
That is the purpose of YWE.
And that is why NOW is the perfect time to recommit to the work that shapes our industry’s future.
Call to Action: Help Us Expand the Impact
If you believe in the power of STEM education and the importance of preparing young women to lead in the energy sector, I invite you to take action:
- Volunteer for a WEN mentoring program
- Speak at a YWE session and share your career story
- Sponsor a scholarship or STEM initiative
- Encourage young women in your own network to explore STEM pathways
Every hour given, every dollar invested, and every story shared moves us one step closer to a more inclusive, innovative, and empowered energy workforce.
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Tai Prince
2025 WEN Houston Chapter President
Founder of TPD STEM Game Challenge
