Community

Summer Camp Helps Build Diverse Future Workforce

April, 2018 — Houston, Texas

Marathon Oil’s commitment to building a diverse and prepared workforce for the future doesn’t end when classes are dismissed for the summer. Through a partnership with the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation, the Houston Area Urban League (HAUL) and the Children's Museum of Houston, we provide funds and volunteers to a two-week program that helps approximately 400 disadvantaged elementary children strengthen reading, STEM knowledge, and financial literacy.

The Camp Adventure! partners also bring together corporate partners and multiple non-profit groups, including the American Heart Association, the Houston Food Bank and the Houston Symphony to combine robust instruction and relevant curriculum with the joys of summer camp.

John Robinson, director of family support for HAUL, pointed out the impact that Camp Adventure! can have on a child’s future: “When you find young people who are not able to achieve, often it’s because they just can’t read,” he said.

With Marathon Oil’s support, we are able to change lives for hundreds of children by providing access to summer reading enrichment.

— John Robinson, Director of Family Support for HAUL

In 2017, camps were held at Atherton Elementary on Houston’s northeast side and Bastian Elementary on the southeast side of the city. In 2018, the camps will be held at Atherton Elementary, and at Codwell Elementary on the southeast side.

Marathon Oil employee Patricia is one of nearly 100 Marathon Oil people who volunteered at the camp in 2017. “I was born poor, but we didn’t really know what we didn’t have,” she said. “It’s harder for these kids, who are exposed to so much more. Working with them, I felt like if we could impact even one or two to get excited about learning, our job is successful.”