US oil major Chevron has pledged a $30million (£17.8million)support to science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) partnerships to increase engagement in the subjects young people.
The announcement, which came as part of the company’s call to action for other firms to follow suit during the National Science Week, is part of Chevron’s engagement programme launched in 2011, which to date pledged $130million in support of the initiative.
“Our charge is clear: the US must increase student engagement in STEM subjects,” said Steve Green, vice president for policy, government and public affairs for Chevron.
“This is not a small challenge, and the business community has to do its part. If we want to truly make a difference, we must all work together to provide educators with resources to interest students and prepare them for STEM related careers.”
The new commitments involve partnerships with Achieve to support adoption and implementation of Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS); The Fab Foundation to bring fabrication labs (Fab Lab) to areas where Chevron operates; National Academy of Engineering providing engineering education which targets ages from kindergarten through to grade 12; and Project Lead The Way (PLTW) – provider of STEM programs to help students develop the skills needed to succeed in a global economy.
“Chevron’s investments are a model for public-private partnership,” said Professor Neil Gershenfeld, director of Center for Bits and Atoms, MIT.
“Providing widespread access to STEM skills and tools is much more than just an educational program; it’s the path to a more inclusive economy.”
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