Abigail Zambrana is not an average high school student. She's an honor roll student, student body president and a first-generation Latina with plans to go to college.
Zambrana's story is the exception for her community, where East Los Angeles high schools experience a 60 percent drop-out rate.
"Earlier in my life, I didn't have any dreams," Zambrana explained. "Thankfully, I was able to find TELACU to help me. TELACU has taught me everything I need to do to get to college and be on the road to success."
A local nonprofit organization is changing the life expectations of youth in the community, providing guidance and hope.
"We see young people that are hungry for change, but that need direction and support to see beyond the barrio," said TELACU Education Foundation chairman David Lizárraga. "TELACU gives them the tools they need to find their way to a better life."
For nearly 30 years, Los Angeles-based TELACU Education Foundation has helped thousands of low-income, first-generation college-bound students pursue and achieve their higher education goals. Chevron has partnered with the nonprofit to assist its tutoring and mentoring efforts for college-bound students. Scholars receive assistance with the college application process, including standardized test preparation, college applications and financial aid applications.
"We're proud of the fact that 100 percent of our TELACU scholars graduate from high school and go on to seek a higher education," said Lizárraga. "We're also proud of the fact that 100 percent of our college students graduate from college."
Chevron believes that an educated, skilled workforce is of critical importance to California's—and the company's—future.
"We understand that there is no single solution to improving education in California," said Rod Spackman, manager of policy, government and public affairs at Chevron. "But we do know that public-private partnerships are needed to prepare today's students for the 21st century workforce."
Chevron's investment in TELACU Education Foundation is a part of the California Partnership, an initiative that invests in education and economic development in the company's home state. Chevron contributions through the California Partnership have totaled approximately $25 million year over year since its inception in 2009.