Fueling Ambition Through Education
The Energy Education Foundation (EEF) seeks to cultivate the next generation of energy workers in the energy industry, partly through educational programs like scholarships.
One of these programs is the EEF Scholarship program, where EEF provides financial assistance for STEM education through the EEF Scholarship, available to high school seniors and college students pursuing an energy-related degree, as well as early-career professionals completing technical certification programs. This scholarship supports individuals advancing their education and careers in the energy sector, helping them on their way to becoming the next generation of energy leaders.
A Houston Native with Big Dreams
Houston-born Angela Sanchez embodies that mission. A petroleum engineering student at the University of Houston, as well as a wife and mother of two, Sanchez is passionate about energy science, innovation, and inspiring future generations.
“I always knew I wanted to be a hard worker and be hands-on,” Sanchez explains. “I wanted to make my family proud.”
Sanchez credits her family’s work ethic and real-world energy events for igniting her interest in energy early on. At age 12, after the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, her school assigned a project inspiring energy innovation. Sanchez created a theoretical net that skimmed oil from the ocean’s surface.
“From then on, I wanted to be in this industry to make sure accidents like that don’t happen,” Sanchez said. Her fascination in energy and engineering grew stronger in high school when she learned about horizontal drilling, a technology that showed her how innovation could shape a safer, more sustainable energy future.
Discovering EEF’s Mission
While attending the 2024 American Association of Drilling Engineers (AADE) Fluids Technical Conference and Exhibition, Sanchez met EEF Executive Director, Kristen Barley, whose booth happened to be next to hers. Their conversation about EEF’s programs and mission made a lasting impression.
“Watching Angela’s growth has been incredibly rewarding,” Barley reflected. “We’re so proud to support her journey and can’t wait to see where her experience takes her.”
Building a Future in Energy
Preparing to graduate in May 2026, Sanchez serves in leadership roles with the University of Houston as President of the American Petroleum Institute (API) student chapter, and Vice President of the American Association of Drilling Engineers (AADE) student chapter. The EEF scholarship helped Sanchez balance her time between her experience in these clubs, her studies, and spending time with her family by reducing financial pressure at the university.
“The scholarship really helped lower my tuition cost, so there was less stress on having to worry about that and school loans,” Sanchez said. After graduating with her degree in petroleum science, Sanchez is open to new opportunities as she looks ahead to her career in energy.
“I’ve never left Houston before, but I’m telling myself this year ‘Don’t say no to opportunities.’ Whether it’s international work or out of state, I want to stay open-minded.”
Advice for Students
Sanchez encourages students and young professionals to apply for scholarships and take every chance to grow. She also emphasizes that the energy industry offers far more than engineering roles alone.
“The energy industry needs other types of engineers, people in communications, and business finance,” Sanchez said. “It has a wide range of opportunities. Don’t limit yourself.”
Looking Ahead to 2026 – 2027
Sanchez represents the next generation of energy career professionals – determined, innovative, and community-driven. Her story reflects on how education, family, and opportunity come together to shape leaders who will drive the future of energy.
The Energy Education Foundation is accepting applications for the 2026 – 2027 EEF Scholarship through December 15, 2025. Learn more about the scholarship program and how it will help shape future energy professionals here.
