Chevron Invests $4 Million for Science Education in New Orleans

Chevron Corporation (NYSE: CVX) has today announced that it will invest up to $4 million to support science education in selected Orleans Parish public middle schools through its Energy for Learning program.

Energy for Learning will support grades six, seven and eight at initially Pierre A. Capdau-UNO Charter School, John Dibert School, Paul B. Habans Elementary School, Edward Hynes Charter School, Lusher Charter School, McDonogh 15 School for the Creative Arts, James M. Singleton Charter School and Sophie B. Wright Charter School. Students at these schools will benefit from state-of-the-art laboratory equipment, professional development for middle school science teachers, and activities and supplies designed to enrich the Louisiana science curriculum.

“Chevron created Energy for Learning to support public school education in Louisiana and Mississippi following hurricanes Katrina and Rita. This three-year program is designed to support both public school students and teachers and offer lasting benefits to the Orleans Parish community,” said Chevron’s Gulf of Mexico Business Unit vice president Melody Meyer.

“Chevron’s $18 million donation was the first significant commitment of the large energy companies to schools in Louisiana after the devastation of hurricanes Katrina and Rita, and I am grateful for their generosity and commitment to education in our state,” said Louisiana Superintendent of Education Paul G. Pastorek. “Today’s announcement is a continuation of that commitment and will directly benefit students in New Orleans. Our schools must have the support of the community to succeed, and Chevron is setting an example that I hope businesses around the state will follow.”

Chevron is partnering with the Exploratorium, a nationally recognized provider of science and math professional development, to deliver 90 hours of professional development to sixth-, seventh- and eighth-grade science teachers during the 2007-08 and 2008-09 school years.

All Orleans Parish public middle schools, defined as schools with sixth, seventh and eighth grades on their campuses, were invited to submit an application for the Energy for Learning grant, and those selected were chosen through a rigorous review process.

“We believe that this initiative can deliver the most impact in middle schools. These students are in the best learning position to enhance their science and technology knowledge and develop the skills that will propel them to success in high school and beyond,” said Chanel Jolly, Chevron’s Energy for Learning program director.

Launched in 2006, Chevron’s $18 million Energy for Learning program is in addition to an $8 million commitment made following Hurricane Katrina to aid short-term relief and reconstruction and $1 million in education grants currently under way in New Orleans.