The Denver Museum of Nature & Science’s ExciteEd program provides professional learning workshops and courses for districts, schools, pre-service programs and other organizations. Through this incredible program, the Denver Museum of Nature & Science empowers educators to elevate the classroom experience with dynamic science learning plans through professional teacher development programming. Each program is collaboratively designed after consultation with educators, to understand their learning priorities and needs.
Oxy is one of ExciteEd’s sponsors. Here we sit down with Oxy to ask them a few questions about their support.
What motivated your company to support and build a relationship with the Denver Museum of Nature & Science?
Oxy’s motivation to support and build a relationship with the Denver Museum of Nature & Science stems from a deep commitment to advancing STEM education and fostering a passion for discovery among young learners. At Oxy, we recognize the vital role that engaging educational experiences play in shaping the future of science and technology.
How does partnering with the Museum align with your company's values and objectives?
The Denver Museum of Nature & Science has an impressive track record of creating inspiring programs like ExciteEd, which align perfectly with our mission to support STEM initiatives. By partnering with the Museum, we aim to enhance these programs, making science accessible and exciting for students of all backgrounds. Oxy believes that by investing in innovative educational programs and interactive exhibits, we can help cultivate the next generation of scientists, engineers, and problem solvers.
Can you elaborate on the specific benefits your company has experienced from this partnership?
Overall, our partnership with the Denver Museum of Nature & Science has been incredibly rewarding, providing us with enhanced brand visibility, valuable employee engagement opportunities, and a strengthened presence within the community. It’s a relationship that mutually benefits both Oxy and the Museum, helping us collectively advance the cause of education to young people in Colorado.
What aspects of the Museum's mission or programs resonated most with your company's interests or goals?
We share the Denver Museum of Nature & Science’s vision of an empowered community dedicated to loving, understanding, and protecting our natural world. As an oil and gas company, Oxy is deeply committed to environmental stewardship and responsible practices that align with this vision.
How does supporting the Museum contribute to your company's corporate social responsibility initiatives?
Oxy’s support for the Denver Museum of Nature & Science is integral to our CSR strategy, aligning with our values and demonstrating our commitment to education, sustainability, employee engagement, and community development.
In what ways has partnering with the Museum enhanced your company's brand visibility or reputation?
Overall, our partnership with the Denver Museum of Nature & Science has boosted Oxy’s brand’s visibility and reputation. By leveraging various channels such Oxy logo on the Wonder Workshops kits, social media posts, newsletters, magazines, etc. we have effectively showcased our commitment to education and community engagement.
What unique opportunities does partnering with a cultural institution like the Denver Museum of Nature & Science offer your company?
Partnering with the Denver Museum of Nature & Science offers Oxy unique opportunities to engage with the community, align our brand with educational and environmental values, access exclusive events, foster innovation, gain media exposure, and enhance employee engagement. These benefits contribute to our company’s growth and reputation while supporting the Museum’s mission and impact.
How do you see this relationship evolving in the future, and what are your long-term goals for collaboration?
We first partnered with the Denver Museum of Nature & Science in 2017 and brough back our support in 2023 – committing to a 3-year sponsorship of the ExciteEd program. We will continue to explore new opportunities together in order to make a significant and lasting impact on STEM education and community engagement.
How does this partnership contribute to your company's overall strategy for fostering innovation and creativity?
Overall, Oxy’s partnership with the ExciteEd program not only supports educational and community objectives but also aligns seamlessly with our strategy to drive innovation and creativity within the oil and gas sector. It ensures that we contribute to the cultivation of talent and ideas that will shape the future of both our industry and the broader world.
What advice would you give to other corporations considering partnering with cultural institutions like the Denver Museum of Nature & Science?
When considering a partnership with cultural institutions like the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, it’s important to recognize the diverse range of programs and initiatives that can benefit from corporate support. The team has been wonderful to work with and will tailor your funding asks to what their biggest need is.
How do you measure the success or impact of this partnership from your company's perspective?
We track the number of Wonder Workshop kits utilized yearly (reach), the number of children served (impact) and the counties of the kits were used (geography) and socioeconomic status of the schools (who).
Is there anything else you would like to add about the significance of this partnership for your company?
Thanks for everything!