PSP, Abell-Hanger Foundation invest $15.6M in Harmony Public Schools expansion

The Permian Strategic Partnership (PSP) and the Abell-Hanger Foundation announced a $15.6 million investment toward expanding Harmony Public Schools in the Permian Basin, with support from Pioneer Natural Resources. The investment was announced in a PSP release on April 22.

"High-quality education and rigorous curriculum are fundamental to a thriving community, and every student deserves access to top-notch STEM education, regardless of their background," President and CEO of the PSP Tracee Bentley said in the release. "By investing in public education, be it through public charters or further fortifying our Independent School Districts, we are investing in the long-term prosperity of the Permian Basin."

Initially offering 200 seats for elementary students, the Harmony Science Academy plans to expand enrollment to accommodate 1,500 Pre-K through 12th-grade students over the next decade, according to the release.

"The first grants made from the foundation in 1955 were given to establish scholarships, and since inception, the foundation has allocated more than 30% of all grants to further educational opportunities in the Permian Basin," said CEO of the Abell-Hanger Foundation Mark Palmer in the release. "We are grateful for a strategic new funding partner in PSP enabling greater opportunity to advance quality educational choices."

According to a Facebook post from Pioneer Natural Resources, Pioneer donated 33 acres of land valued at $2.64 million to support building the Harmony Science Academy - Midland, in addition to funding. “We're honored to partner with the Permian Strategic Partnership and Abell-Hangar Foundation on this important initiative to bring more educational opportunities to underserved communities in our region,” Pioneer Natural Resource said in the post. “By increasing access to high-quality STEM education, we're investing in the long-term prosperity of the Permian Basin and developing our future energy workforce.”

Harmony Science Academy will open in the fall of 2024 in temporary classroom space while construction commences. Completion of construction is anticipated for a grand opening in fall 2025. Enrollment for Pre-K – 2nd grade will commence on Nov. 1, according to the release.

For further details, visit Harmony Public Schools website.