De Zavala Elementary in Midland ISD has adopted the School Action Fund STEM model to expand hands‑on, inquiry‑based science, technology, engineering and math learning campus‑wide. Corporate partners Chevron, the ExxonMobil Foundation and ConocoPhillips supplied LEGO Education kits, a new marquee and rebranded campus materials to support the effort. Leaders say the program boosts engagement, strengthens teacher capacity and prepares students for college and STEM careers, with grades 4–6 already showing measurable gains.
De Zavala Elementary Launches Campus‑Wide School Action Fund STEM Model with Corporate Support
De Zavala Elementary in Midland ISD has adopted the School Action Fund STEM model to expand hands‑on, inquiry‑based science, technology, engineering and math learning campus‑wide. Corporate partners Chevron, the ExxonMobil Foundation and ConocoPhillips supplied LEGO Education kits, a new marquee and rebranded campus materials to support the effort. Leaders say the program boosts engagement, strengthens teacher capacity and prepares students for college and STEM careers, with grades 4–6 already showing measurable gains.
07:16 AM, 11/21/2025Society
De Zavala Elementary in Midland ISD has launched a campus‑wide School Action Fund (SAF) STEM model aimed at expanding hands‑on, inquiry‑based learning in science, technology, engineering and mathematics for all students.
The initiative is supported by Chevron, the ExxonMobil Foundation and ConocoPhillips. Chevron provided LEGO Education kits to introduce age‑appropriate engineering, design and coding activities. The ExxonMobil Foundation funded a new campus marquee to highlight the school’s STEM focus, and ConocoPhillips financed a visual rebrand with hallway and door wraps, campus pride signage and new staff and student t‑shirts.
The SAF STEM model emphasizes experiential, inquiry‑driven lessons that spark curiosity, foster critical thinking and connect classroom learning to real‑world problems. School leaders say the approach is intended to boost student engagement, strengthen teacher capacity, and prepare learners with the skills they need for college and future STEM careers.
“Our mission at De Zavala Elementary is to inspire a passion for STEM learning in a dynamic environment where students actively explore, innovate, and apply their knowledge to real‑world challenges,” said Principal David Duarte. “With the support of Chevron, the ExxonMobil Foundation, and ConocoPhillips, our students are gaining opportunities to think like scientists, engineers and problem‑solvers every day.”
Although De Zavala is a neighborhood school, families who want their children to participate in the STEM model may apply for a transfer during the district’s designated transfer request window; seats will be offered as space allows.
“Midland ISD is grateful for the business and community partners who continue to invest in our students’ futures,” said MISD Superintendent Dr. Stephanie Howard. “The STEM model at De Zavala is an outstanding example of how partnerships can transform classrooms, ignite curiosity, and prepare students for a lifetime of discovery and success.”
School officials report measurable academic gains already emerging, particularly in grades 4–6 where students are meeting or approaching learning targets. Administrators expect the shift to inquiry‑based, hands‑on instruction to build on that progress and support higher achievement across all grade levels. The school plans to continue monitoring outcomes and expanding teacher professional learning tied to the SAF model.