Chevron contributes to the economic and social well-being of people in the communities where we operate 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.
In Houston, Chevron invests in the JASON Project, a national, nonprofit organization that inspires students to pursue careers in STEM fields. JASON and its partners use award-winning, standards-based STEM curricula developed with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NASA, the National Geographic Society and others. We fund the project in five Houston-area school districts where more than 400 teachers have been trained in JASON curriculum. Approximately 40,000 students have engaged in the program in Houston.
Aiding Development of Small Businesses
Small businesses are the engines that drive economic growth in many communities. By helping to develop these businesses, Chevron contributes to the communities' overall development.
Chevron supports Grameen America, an innovative microfinance organization that facilitates the growth of small businesses. Chevron has committed $1 million to the organization, which was founded by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus. Grameen America targets low-income clients who cannot access traditional credit.
Improving Career and Vocational Training
Chevron supports career and vocational training programs that provide a foundation for long-term economic development.
Our 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. As of 2012, more than 370 people have benefited from the program, and 67 individuals completed their courses and increased their previous income, on average, by 47 percent.
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. The San Francisco–based nonprofit organization provides training, resources and support for local women entrepreneurs.
Updated: April 2013
Cautionary Statement