WILLISTON — Two area educators have been selected to receive fellowships in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM)-related education through the Statoil North Dakota Charitable Fund.

JL Garman of Watford City Public School and Lesa Gowing of Alexander Public School were selected through a competitive application process to participate in the Fellowship program. Their professional development activities include expanding robotics in the classroom and attending trainings from Project Lead the Way.

Statoil recently announced a nearly $30,000 investment in the professional development of teachers in northwest North Dakota through the fund, which is managed by the Northwest North Dakota Community Foundation. The foundation supports lasting change in Williams, Divide and McKenzie counties.

The Statoil STEM Education Fellowships provide STEM educators with resources to support their professional development and to enhance STEM education in the region for students, educators and their school communities. Fellows have one year to complete their professional development plans and accomplish their goals.

Statoil is an international energy company, with operations in more than 30 countries and about 20,000 employees worldwide. The company is headquartered in Norway and is a significant player in the exploration and development of oil and gas in the Gulf of Mexico and from shale and tight rock formations throughout the mainland United States.