A business’s commitment to its local communities and its willingness to promote and support employee volunteerism often play an important role in employee satisfaction and in being considered a top workplace. This is definitely the case for Anadarko Petroleum Corporation, a company whose core values include servant leadership, people and passion.

The people of Anadarko not only develop energy resources, they are often considered “an energy source all on their own.”  Bringing enthusiasm, business know-how and ideas to the table, Anadarko staffers have proven to be a vital resource for JA-Rocky Mountain.  A partner company since 2007, Anadarko goes above and beyond to bring the energy industry alive for students.  Anadarko created a set of interactive activities to accompany the third grade program JA Our City. Volunteers from Anadarko are presenting the activities, which explains how energy is produced and highlights careers within the energy industry, in local classrooms.  Lessons focus on the basic uses of oil and natural gas in day-to-day life, fundamentals of geology, Colorado-specific oil and natural gas infrastructure, careers in the energy industry and conservation and environmental awareness.  Anadarko professionals have also developed and implemented a curriculum for high school students.

“Volunteers from Anadarko serve as terrific role models for Colorado’s students,” said JA-Rocky Mountain President Robin Wise. “They help students make the critical connection between STEM education and STEM careers by bringing local relevance to what JA students are learning.”

In addition to volunteering in Denver-area classrooms, Anadarko employees in Northern Colorado will help meet the demand for JA programs from educators in Weld County schools in 2016. Employees will also volunteer at JA Finance Park and host students for job shadow experiences.

Anadarko associates team up each year to support the JA Bowl-a-Thon in Denver and Northern Colorado.  In 2015, the company’s JA Bowl-A-Thon participants raised more than $48,000  to bring JA programs to 1,200 local students. The Bowl-A-Thon provides a fun way for employees to spend time together, strengthening teamwork and doing something fun for a cause they believe in.

Since September 2015, Anadarko’s Ryan Helmer, General Manager – Wattenberg Subsurface, has brought his energy and leadership to the JA-Rocky Mountain board of directors, as one more example of how Anadarko professionals bring value to the JA organization.

“Anadarko is one of our leading corporate partners and they continue to demonstrate just how committed they are to the people and communities of our state,” said Wise.

Whether providing vital relief services during the Colorado floods, supporting United Way, or inspiring young people to take responsibility for their financial futures through their work with JA, Anadarko employees volunteer more than 30,000 hours of volunteer service in Colorado each year. Anadarko Petroleum Corporation’s commitment to health, safety and the environment has been recognized by a number of awards and honors, and for several years, Anadarko has been recognized by The Denver Post as a Top Workplace in Denver.