EnergizaTec turned a regular morning in Pesquería, Mexico, into a hands-on science adventure, bringing together students from two public schools for a day of experiments, books, and a show designed to spark curiosity, imagination, and creativity.

Around 120 preschool and elementary school students took part in EnergizaTec, an initiative held for the first time at two schools in Pesquería to invite children to learn and reflect through hands-on science and technology activities. Over two days, December 15 and 16, students read books donated to their schools, inflated balloons using the surprising effervescence of an Alka-Seltzer tablet, and enjoyed a show alongside their teachers, families, and Tecpetrol volunteers.

EnergizaTec was made possible with the support of consulting firms Educa and Familia Viva, along with the youth group Alas, part of the Tecnológico de Monterrey community.

Angela Hernández, Planning & Cost Control Lead Analyst, volunteered on December 15.. “That day, the kids were involved from start to finish. I was told the second day was even more intense—so I can only imagine!” she laughs. “During the experiment segment, we asked them whether what they were seeing was magic or science. Watching them debate, share ideas, and reach their own conclusions was something really special.”

One of the most meaningful moments came with the donation of books and bookshelves to the schools. Each child chose a book to take home, followed by group reading sessions and games designed to encourage reading. Francisco Leos, Finance & Administration Senior Manager and volunteer, remembers a moment that stayed with him. “One child came up to us, completely excited, to say he was taking his first book home and planned to start reading it that same afternoon. Seeing that level of enthusiasm and interest was really moving.”

The day ended with an interactive show focused on science and technology. “It wasn’t a typical children’s show as there were no clowns or familiar routines,” Francisco explains. “It was all about learning and sparking curiosity. And yet, the kids were completely into it: climbing on chairs, laughing, playing, and clamoring to participate.”

To close the day, everyone shared a meal provided by Tecpetrol, served by the parents who attended the event. “The families told me they were really happy,” Francisco adds. “More than anything, they appreciated that their children had an educational experience that was different from their everyday school routine.”

Ludwig Bonilla, CORE Analyst, highlights the broader impact of the initiative. “Everyone took something meaningful home,” he says. “It sparked interest in science and technology among the students, but it was also amazing to see how surprised and engaged families and teachers were with the experiments. And for those of us from Tecpetrol, the enthusiasm was contagious: it even followed us back to the Pesquería Power Plant, encouraging us to reflect on new ways to support community development.”

Angela agrees. “It was another opportunity to share a great moment with the local community,” she says. “There’s already a strong relationship. We’re present, we visit, and we organize activities we know they enjoy or need. I love seeing how each child grows, because next year you can already tell who’s moved on to secondary school and who’s still there.”

Looking back on the final moments of the event, Francisco shares that, “The teachers told us their students were already asking when we’d be back. They recognize us as a company, not only for the work we do, but also for the commitment behind these activities. They feel grateful because they see that we’re planting a seed and that it’s already starting to grow within their families.”