Chevron has made a series of donations to advance STEM education in the US

In recent weeks Chevron has made a series of donations to schools and universities to help develop STEM education.  The most recent announcement was a grant totalling $75,000 which will be given to a collection of sixteen secondary schools in Mississippi.  This news arrives shortly after a pledge that it will donate $450,000 to the California State University, to which it has been a benefactor for three consecutive years.

Chevron’s flagship program titled: Project Lead The Way (PLTW) comprises five programs to create a progression from kindergarten to post-secondary education.  The program has problem solving and practical activities at its core and covers topics such as biomedical science, robotics, and engineering and computer science.

Taft College, a public community college in California also received a $156,000 donation from Chevron to help it develop its STEM based educational programs.

The funds will help with the expansion of a health and sciences lab and the procurement of laboratory equipment.  The donation will enable Taft College to double its course offerings in anatomy and physiology.

“When we think of the STEM pipeline and science, technology, engineering and mathematics, it’s clear across our nation that we have a shortage,” President and CEO, Project Lead The Way, Dr. Vince M Bertram

Since 2009, PLTW has helped schools and  teachers in over 10 states and STEM educational activities have been delivered to over 177,950 students.

The PLTW curriculum combines activity, project and problem based learning.  A big focus is placed on transferring knowledge and skills to real life.  The activities are primarily developed by former teachers and through a collaboration with industry and academic experts.  Providing professional development for teachers is a core component of the program.

Read more here: https://www.pltw.org/