CITGO Innovation Academy at E.K. Key Elementary Receives ITEEA Program Excellence Award

At the recent 85^th annual conference for the International Technology and Engineering Educator Association (ITEEA), the CITGO Innovation Academy at E. K. Key Elementary was recognized as one of only 37 programs worldwide to earn the prestigious Program Excellence Award in 2023.    

Sponsored by the ITEEA and Paxton/Patterson, the Program Excellence Award is one of the highest honors given to Technology and Engineering classroom programs on the elementary, middle, or high school levels. It is presented in recognition of outstanding contributions to the profession and students. Schools from all over the United States and around the world compete for this honor.

Each year the Program Excellence winners are recognized at the largest conference for Technology & Engineering Educators in the world. This year the CITGO Innovation Academy at E. K. Key Elementary was recognized at the first general session of the conference where the award plaques and pins were presented.

“We are exceptionally proud to present this award to Citgo Innovation Academy at E. K. Key Elementary.  This recognition commemorates your hard work and determination in building a program that serves students and will make a difference far into the future. We thank you and I am certain that your students thank you every day for the opportunity you’ve created. We’re honored to help support the ITEEA and these outstanding educators,” said Nate Schuessler, CEO, Paxton/Patterson.

The CITGO Innovation Academy at E. K. Key Elementary was also certified as an ITEEA STEM School of Excellence.