Marathon El Paso Refinery hosts fifth annual STEM conference for El Paso students

The rhythmic hum of machinery and the sharp scent of industrial processes typically evoke images of complex operations, often perceived as distant from the classroom. However, for nearly 300 El Paso students this week, that perception shifted dramatically as Marathon El Paso Refinery hosted its fifth annual STEM conference, offering a tangible glimpse into the world of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The event, spearheaded by the Marathon El Paso Refinery Women’s Employee Network, brought together bright young minds from across the city to explore career paths and gain hands-on experience – a vital investment in El Paso’s future workforce.

The Conference and Its Goals

The fifth annual STEM conference, held on Thursday, November 12, 2026, at the Marathon El Paso Refinery provided a unique opportunity for junior and senior high school students to engage directly with STEM professionals. Students representing Ysleta ISD, El Paso ISD, Socorro ISD, and private schools participated in interactive activities and toured the refinery itself. The event’s primary goal, according to organizers, was to demystify STEM careers and illustrate their practical applications. The Marathon El Paso Refinery Women’s Employee Network took the lead in organizing the conference, demonstrating a commitment to fostering the next generation of STEM leaders. Marathon Petroleum Marathon Petroleum is committed to supporting local communities and investing in education.

Rebecca Ayala, an environmental engineer at Marathon Petroleum, spoke to KFOX14/CBS4 about the conference's purpose: “We talk to them about different programs that they should get involved in. We talk about the refinery. We talk about what is needed to make it in a STEM field, the kind of internships they should be getting, what they should be majoring in, and what are the subjects that they should be focused on.” The conference wasn't just about lectures; it was about showing students how mathematical equations directly impact refinery operations and revealing the breadth of STEM disciplines involved.

The conference’s itinerary included presentations from women working in various STEM roles at the refinery, offering invaluable mentorship and guidance. These speakers shared their experiences and provided insights into the diverse career paths available within the industry. The emphasis on female role models is particularly significant, as it aims to encourage young women to pursue STEM fields—a crucial step toward addressing the persistent gender gap in these disciplines. ISTE (International Society for Technology in Education) has long highlighted the need for greater representation of women and minorities in STEM.

Student Perspectives

The enthusiasm among the student participants was palpable. Carla Sousa, a senior at Emmanuel Christian School, expressed her excitement about learning more about the technical aspects of refinery work and connecting with women in STEM. “I was really looking forward to just the experience in general, learning more from these women who have been so prevalent in their field,” she said. Sousa’s aspiration to pursue mechanical engineering reflects a growing interest among El Paso students in pursuing advanced technical careers.

Sousa further emphasized the importance of mentorship and exposure. The conference also highlighted a critical need for strong role models, particularly for young women aspiring to careers in STEM. These fields have historically been dominated by men, creating barriers and discouraging many talented women from pursuing their passions. The Marathon El Paso Refinery Women’s Employee Network deserves immense credit for recognizing this challenge and actively working to create pathways for the next generation.

The Importance of Role Models

The conference underscored the vital role of mentorship and representation in encouraging young people, especially women, to pursue STEM careers. Seeing successful professionals in their fields can inspire students to overcome challenges and envision themselves in similar roles.

STEM Education in El Paso

The Marathon El Paso Refinery STEM conference aligns with broader efforts to strengthen STEM education in El Paso. El Paso ISD is currently seeking community input on a $445 million bond that would fund repairs at aging campuses and potentially include upgrades to science labs and technology infrastructure. El Paso ISD’s ongoing efforts to improve facilities and curriculum underscore the community's commitment to providing students with the resources they need to succeed in STEM fields. The conference provides a valuable supplement to classroom learning, offering real-world context and career exploration opportunities that are often lacking in traditional educational settings.

Future Plans and Community Impact

Marathon El Paso Refinery plans to continue hosting the STEM conference annually. The event is part of a broader effort by the refinery to engage with the community and support STEM education. The refinery’s commitment extends beyond the conference itself, with ongoing initiatives aimed at fostering STEM literacy throughout the region.

Local school districts are also taking steps to enhance STEM education. The $445 million bond being considered by EPISD aims to modernize facilities and expand access to technology, directly supporting STEM learning.

Elias’s Perspective

What struck me most about this conference wasn’t just the hands-on experience the students received, but the genuine enthusiasm they displayed. It’s easy to become cynical about STEM fields, seeing them as overly complex or inaccessible. But witnessing these young people’s eagerness to learn—to grasp the intricate processes that power our city—was profoundly encouraging. It reinforces a truth we often overlook: that learning isn't a chore, but an adventure when it connects to the real world.

The conference also serves as a reminder of the importance of vocational training alongside traditional four-year college paths – providing students with diverse options for contributing to the local economy. The City of El Paso has expressed support for STEM initiatives, recognizing their importance to the region’s long-term economic health.

Finally, it's worth pondering how we can better connect classroom learning with real-world applications. Too often, students struggle to see the relevance of what they're learning in school. By bridging that gap—by showing them how STEM concepts apply to everyday life—we can ignite a passion for learning and empower them to become lifelong innovators.

The conference also serves as a reminder of the importance of character – integrity, perseverance, and a commitment to serving others—qualities that will shape these young people into not just skilled professionals, but responsible and engaged citizens.

Closing paragraph: The Marathon El Paso Refinery’s commitment to STEM education demonstrates a powerful partnership between industry and community, offering hope for the future of El Paso’s workforce. As these students embark on their educational journeys, let us all work together to ensure they have the resources and support they need to achieve their dreams.