Chevron focuses on helping to create sustained economic growth by creating jobs, improving business opportunities and training the workforce of the future.
Investing in Education
Chevron's investments in education are focused on K–12 science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programs. They include curriculum development, out-of-school activities, resources, classroom equipment, mentoring and teacher professional development.
Through a partnership with Project Lead the Way, Chevron has brought a hands-on engineering curriculum to middle and high schools in California, Mississippi and Texas. The project encourages students to develop problem-solving skills, critical thinking skills, creative and innovative reasoning, and a love of learning.
Through a partnership with DonorsChoose.org, Chevron provides funds to teachers in California and Utah to purchase STEM equipment. We also provide employee mentors, Chevron site visits and support to students through nonprofit partners such as Techbridge, which inspires girls to discover a passion for technology, science and engineering.
Chevron partners with the John McConnell Math & Science Center of Western Colorado in Grand Junction to help students explore the science of energy production from many angles. Chevron is working with the Durango (Colorado) Discovery Museum to create a science career ladder program for high school students.
At Rocinante High School in Farmington, New Mexico, an alternative high school for at-risk youth, Chevron contributions have upgraded computers and other instructional technologies for science and math classes. The company has also created an instructional presentation using our Energyville game to help high school students learn about the energy demands of a community.
In collaboration with Carnegie Science Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, we launched the Chevron Center for STEM Education and Career Development. This program, which is available to school districts in more than 30 counties in Pennsylvania, encourages students' interest in STEM-related careers through meetings with professionals and hands-on activities in the classroom.
Aiding Development of Micro, Small and Medium-Size Businesses
Micro, small and medium-size businesses are the engines that drive economic growth in many of the communities in which we operate. By helping to develop these businesses, Chevron contributes to the communities' overall development.
Chevron believes that by helping to build stronger nonprofit organizations, the programs and services for local communities will grow. One such example is our partnership with Kiva.org, the world's first micro lending website that allows individuals to make small loans to entrepreneurs online. Chevron's investment in Kiva.org will allow the nonprofit to continue to spur growth in small businesses, which represent more than 87 percent of all businesses in the United States.
Improving Career and Vocational Training
Chevron's social investments support career and vocational training programs that provide a foundation for long-term economic development.
Chevron's commitment to South Central Louisiana Technical College helps prepare students to work in the oil and gas industry in the Gulf of Mexico region. Chevron funds an associate's degree program in Process Production Technology through a collaborative effort with other industry leaders. The degree program will create a local talent pool of prospective operator candidates.
In Midland, Texas, we partnered with Casa de Amigos to create a program that provides financial support for vocational training. In 2011, 45 people completed their courses and, on average, tripled their previous income.
Chevron also supports vocational and technical education through scholarship donations to local community colleges in the Rocky Mountain states. Several of these programs give consideration to adults who seek new career training, especially in the energy industry.
Since 2004, Chevron has helped hundreds of women in California achieve financial self-sufficiency through the Women's Initiative for Self Employment. The San Francisco–based nonprofit organization provides training, resources and support for local women entrepreneurs.
In Houston, Chevron invests in Dress for Success, a nonprofit organization that promotes the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a support network and career development tools. Chevron also has sponsored Send One Suit, a Dress for Success program that encourages employees to donate business attire to women in the program. Chevron employees also serve as mentors, and executives provide board leadership.
We also invest in leadership development programs in Houston. The American Leadership Forum and the Center for Houston's Future work to help leaders address the region's complex challenges in a collaborative way and to more effectively serve the public good.
Updated: April 2012
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