STEM Education: Investing in the Future
In a classroom at Manhattan Beach Middle School, a maze of student-constructed robotic vehicles lined the perimeter of the room, competing for space with lab cupboards overflowing with components for science experiments. A series of rings hung from the ceiling in the center of the classroom, where four students were presenting on Newton's Law to their class—composed entirely of young women.
"Throw it, throw it, throw it!" said their teacher, Stacey Cooke.
One of the presenters, Rachel Sands, aimed a pencil at one of the targets and tossed it toward a ring, narrowly missing the bulls-eye. The classroom of students lit up with cheers and applause after several other attempts yielded better results.
Sands and her teammates were demonstrating a game they developed for the International Space Station, which placed third in NASA's national "Spaced Out Sports Design Challenge" competition. Grant donations from Chevron helped create the girls' science class pilot program at Manhattan Beach Middle School to provide a neutral learning environment and encourage young women to pursue careers in science.
"I was never the computer whiz, and I never thought I'd be interested in science or mathematics, but I really feel science is a big part of me now," said Sands.
The program has created one-of-a-kind learning opportunities in multiple South Bay schools that challenge the students and prepare them for higher education learning. Among the grant recipients is Environmental Charter High School (ECHS) in Lawndale, Calif., which will direct its grant funds toward renovating science and math classrooms to meet the National Science and Mathematics Education Program Standards. The grant will help extend math and science education beyond the classroom through the enhancement of outdoor learning spaces at ECHS.
"Education is the cornerstone of our state's competitiveness," said Frank Semancik, general manager of Chevron's El Segundo Refinery. "Supporting science and engineering education is a key Chevron value, and these funds are truly an investment in preparing the next generation workforce for increasingly technical careers."
Chevron El Segundo distributed a series of "Energy for Learning" grants totaling $2 million in the region. The education funding to South Bay schools will provide support to STEM education programs and create innovative facilities to enhance learning opportunities for students.