Graduation Experience at Baker Hughes ‘Plants Seed’ for Tomball ISD Students in STEM

TOMBALL, TEXAS (May 27, 2026) – Prior to walking out of school for the final time upon completion of the 2025-26 academic year, nearly two dozen junior high students from Tomball left campus for a hands-on, interactive learning experience at Baker Hughes’ Rankin Road facility.

Twenty eighth-graders from Tomball Junior High School were treated to a tour of the facility that houses oilfield tools and machinery, multiple laboratories and electronics assembly areas. The visit, which also featured a graduation ceremony, was the culmination of a semester-long science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) initiative during which students work alongside Baker Hughes engineering mentors to explore various emerging technologies and learn about potential career pathways within the energy and engineering industries.

“At the end of the day, the students will be the ones to decide what career path they choose, and we want to make sure that they are exposed to technology- and science-related career paths,” explained Raj Sen, a Senior Systems Engineer who also serves as community outreach co-lead for Baker Hughes’ Asian Pacific Alliance Forum (APAF) employee resource group.

“When thinking about how we could contribute to the community, it was very clear we should leverage some of our strengths - which is the knowledge about math, science and technology,” Sen added. “Through this partnership, we can channel our passion toward developing and growing these students.”

While on-site, the students spent time in both the research and development and advanced manufacturing labs where computer components and 3D printing technologies were on display. They also participated in a Q&A session on STEM careers with Baker Hughes employees joining the panel virtually from Brazil and Alaska. And because grades shouldn’t be the only form of competition for middle schoolers, prizes were awarded to the winners of a hydraulics design challenge and scientific knowledge challenge.

However, Baker Hughes employees, who help provide energy technology solutions to customers in more than 120 countries, were not alone in spotlighting innovative solutions during the visit.

Fueled by a combination of natural curiosity and an ignited interest in STEM, students brought their own creative designs to showcase. One group presented its cutting-edge water-based alarm system for high tides and rising water levels. Another team introduced a process designed to more safely secure homes during hurricane season.

Being presented with the opportunity to observe the real-world functionality of what they are exposed to in the classroom is one way the Tomball Junior High School students can apply what they’re learning. The tour uncovered another way the eighth graders plan to apply their experience – literally.

“I just heard a student say to one of our Baker Hughes tour guides that ‘I will be submitting my application to you in nine years,’” Selorm Dzaka, Tomball ISD Engineering Essentials teacher, shared during his closing remarks. “That's what all this is about: Planting a seed and giving our students these opportunities and helping it grow.”

The Tomball Economic Development Corporation (TEDC), driven by a fervent desire to best position Tomball by building a stronger workforce pipeline, played a critical role in linking Tomball ISD and Baker Hughes more than five years ago. “These students are gaining invaluable early exposure to the possibilities offered to them through STEM,” said Tiffani Wooten, TEDC Assistant Director. “Every year, this collaboration produces a group of even more impressive students – which results in engaged families and a better place to live, learn and work.”

Tomball Junior High students seized the opportunity to take part in hands-on activities with cutting edge technology to help guide them down a STEM path, while some used the occasion to get their hands on a future career opportunity.

ABOUT THE TOMBALL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
The mission of the Tomball Economic Development Corporation is to promote economic development in the City of Tomball through the attraction of new business and industry and the retention of existing businesses by providing the resources that enable and advance the general well-being of the community.

ABOUT TOMBALL ISD
Tomball ISD educates students to become responsible, productive citizens by providing innovative, individually rigorous and personally valuable educational experiences. Founded in 1908, Tomball ISD now encompasses 83 square miles in northwest Harris County and southwest Montgomery County and is located approximately 30 miles from downtown Houston. The district currently educates more than 23,000 students across 25 campuses.