The SESA program was developed in 1989 when engineers from BP Chemicals and the Lima Refinery and educators from Allen County, Ohio got together to discuss concerns regarding the minimal number of high school graduates interested in pursuing math and science related careers. With the realization that an interest in science should be developed and cultivated in the early years, this group envisioned that the natural curiosity of students could be directed to help them experience the wonders of science using a hands-on approach within the elementary and middle school classrooms. By 1990, this vision was to become the Science Enhancement for Science Advancement (SESA) program which, over the next decade, was to have a profound influence on the way that science was taught to the students of Lima and Allen County schools. When the Lima Refinery was purchased in August of 1998, Premcor agreed to continue the refinery’s involvement as a full partner in the internationally acclaimed SESA program. In 1999, Akzo Nobel joined forces with BP and Premcor as a supporting partner. In 2005, Valero purchased the Lima Refinery and was very supportive of the SESA Program as well.  In 2007 Husky purchased the Lima Refinery.  Today, the five companies are Husky Lima Refinery, PotashCorp, ISP,  INEOS, and Fort Amanda Specialties.

SESA provides a wide range of programs designed to enhance science education. Activities focus on hands-on, minds-on, inquiry-based science for students and teachers.