TC Energy Summer Scholars Academy and UH Work as a Winning Team for #BuildingConnectionsInSTEM
Ethan Shaw was like many high school seniors when he applied to the University of Houston for the fall of 2023. After conquering the application process, he faced the reality and uncertainty of transitioning to the next step in his academic career.
That’s when he turned to the TC Energy Summer Scholars Academy at UH.
The 2024 program is celebrating the fifth anniversary of building connections in STEM through a strong partnership with TC Energy. The summer program is open to incoming freshmen pursuing majors in UH’s College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics and Cullen College of Engineering.
Participants acquire skills to tackle coursework effectively and efficiently, build networking and career preparation skills, and practice good study habits. Though the students excelled academically in high school, their classes may not have been rigorous enough to prepare them for STEM courses at the college level.
For Shaw, now a UH sophomore, the program validated his decision to pursue biomedical engineering as his major.
“The rigorous coursework, especially in chemistry and calculus, really allowed me to appreciate the deep connections between mathematics and the chemical sciences,” said Shaw.
The program, lasting nine weeks, gives summer scholars the opportunity to earn credit for Calculus 1 (MATH 2413), preview Fundamentals of Chemistry, and explore a mini-course on college success. In addition, small group review sessions, workshops and tutoring assistance are included.
“Above all else, we want our students to succeed in their studies,” said Donna Pattison, assistant dean for student success at NSM. “The TC Energy Summer Scholars Academy provides a solid foundation of support for students interested in STEM studies. We’re proud of the success of this program and how it has grown through the partnership with TC Energy.”
The Power of Partnership: #BuildingConnectionsInSTEM
Through 2025, TC Energy has committed $495,000 to support the program’s growth.
“The TC Energy Summer Scholars Academy is part of TC Energy’s commitment to building stronger communities,” said Charles Hearne, TC Energy social impact advisor. “One way we can build stronger communities is supporting education for the future.”
TC Energy supports the program through its #BuildStrong initiative. As a result, 237 students have participated, with 132 becoming STEM majors. Of the past participants, 38 have graduated from UH, with 27 earning a STEM degree. As of 2024, the program helped boost the math placement scores of 151 students who initially scored too low to start the fall semester in Calculus 1 or higher. In addition, 86 students initially scored high enough to place into Calculus 1, with 40 of those placing into Calculus 2 after the program. Passing calculus in the first year of college is a key indicator for success in a STEM major.
Employees from TC Energy lend their insight during a career panel discussion with students. The session provides the opportunity for employees to offer their expertise and advice. They also connect with students during lunch and learn events and after-hours activities like bowling.
“It’s a great way for us to raise awareness of STEM career opportunities with students,” said Hearne. “We want to let students know they’re making a good choice by choosing a STEM major.”
Houston: Land of Opportunity
Although he received offers from other schools, Shaw signed up for the program because he was committed to becoming a biomedical engineer.
“I knew that being in Houston would allow me to pursue more opportunities in different medical and engineering-based industries,” said Shaw. “The program seemed like the perfect way to get my foot in the door.”
Shaw credits the program for developing resilience, adaptability and a true growth mindset. He is also thankful for the connections he made during his participation.
“It allowed me to build a strong network of like-minded peers,” said Shaw. “The connections I made with other students in the cohort became an invaluable support system as I embarked on my college career.”
Connecting to a Student Support Network
The TC Energy Summer Scholars Academy created opportunities for Shaw to stay engaged with other participants.
He has served as an administrative aide for the Scholar Enrichment Program (SEP) at UH. SEP, a learning community open to all UH students in challenging STEM classes, supports students by providing peer mentors, tutors and workshop facilitators with the goal of helping them graduate.
TC Energy Summer Scholars Academy participants gain additional support through SEP in the fall, and many have gone on to serve in leadership roles after completing their freshman year.
Additionally, Shaw is completing an internship this summer with TC Energy. It’s another opportunity resulting from his participation with the TC Energy Summer Scholars Academy.
For future students, Shaw strongly encourages they take full advantage of the program.
“It will equip you with the tools, confidence and sense of purpose to tackle the transition to college and beyond,” he said. “The long-term rewards are truly invaluable.”
The 2024 TC Energy Summer Scholars Academy runs through August 9.
- Chris Guillory, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics