The Permian Strategic Partnership (PSP), along with the Abell-Hanger Foundation, today announced a $15.6 million initiative to expand the Harmony Public School system in the Permian Basin. The investment will help address the critical need for high-quality seats in our community by establishing the Midland Harmony Science Academy and expanding access to a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) based education.
“High-quality education and rigorous curriculum is a cornerstone of a thriving community and every student deserves access to the opportunity to a top-notch STEM education experience, regardless of their background or circumstances,” said Tracee Bentley, President and CEO of the PSP. “By continuing to invest in public education, whether through public charters or further bolstering our Independent School Districts, we are investing in the long-term prosperity of the Permian Basin”.
As world energy demand grows, so too does the need for access to superior Pre-K-12 education in the Permian Basin, not only to grow our own workforce, but to attract talent from across the country whose children will attend school in the region. The Harmony Science Academy will initially offer 200 seats for elementary students and expand enrollment to 1,500 Pre-K through 12th grade students over the next decade.
“We are pleased to continue our decades-long commitment to education with support of the expansion of the Harmony School network into Midland,” said Mark Palmer, CEO of the Abell-Hanger Foundation. “The first grants made from the foundation in 1955 were given to establish scholarships, and since inception, the foundation has given more than 30% of all grants to further educational opportunities in the Permian Basin. We are grateful for a strategic new funding partner in PSP enabling greater opportunity to advance quality educational choices.”
“Ensuring equitable access to quality education is our shared responsibility, and we are humbled to embark on this journey in partnership with the Permian Strategic Partnership and the Abell-Hanger Foundation. The initiative to establish Harmony Science Academy in Midland signifies a commitment to nurturing young minds and preparing them for a future driven by STEM fields,” said CEO Fatih Ay. “We are excited to continue to be a part of the Permian Basin community, and we extend our gratitude to our partners for their dedication to shaping a brighter educational landscape.”
Harmony Public Schools is a tuition-free system of 61 public charter schools in Texas that provides rigorous, high-quality education focused on STEM. Through a caring and collaborative environment, Harmony provides students from traditionally underserved communities the opportunity to excel through project-based learning, where they learn the skills necessary to become contributing global citizens.
Harmony Science Academy is expected to open in the Fall of 2024 in temporary classroom space while construction is underway. Construction is anticipated to be completed for a Fall 2025 grand opening.
Enrollment for Pre-K – 2nd grade will be open beginning on November 1st. For additional information, please visit https://www.harmonytx.org/