Encana, a leading North American energy producer, has a strong community investment program. Since 2003, Encana has donated more than $540,000 to help JA inspire students to get excited about their futures and equip them with the skills necessary to be successful and part of a skilled and sustainable workforce. In addition, more than 300 Encana employees have volunteered their time and talent to deliver JA programs in Denver-area classrooms.
Encana not only brings the real world into classrooms, they also bring students directly into the real world. Encana has hosted more than 200 local high school students at seven JA Job Shadow days. This experiential learning program provides high school students with the opportunity to shadow professionals to gain insight into the working world and introduce them to careers and job skills they can acquire if they continue their education.
After the JA Job Shadow at Encana, students commented on how much they enjoyed the opportunity to learn more about jobs in the oil and gas industry. From this experience, they also learned first-hand about the benefits of staying in school. “This experience made me think about going to college and finishing my high school year strong,” said Raeane Ramirez.
Encana is the sponsor of JA’s 4th grade program, JA Our Region, which introduces the relationship between the natural, human and capital resources found in different regions, and explores regional businesses that produce goods and services for consumers. Encana and JA staff worked together to create key additions that integrated Colorado-specific businesses and entrepreneurs. This addition allowed the JA Our Region program to meet educational standards in history and geography.
