PITTSBURGH — Chevron and the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation recently award $174,193 in Innovation Grants to 37 southwestern Pennsylvania and northern West Virginia classrooms to expand and support cutting-edge education programs.
The grants seek to encourage school districts, primarily in rural communities, to develop engaging programs and curriculum with innovation and design serving as the driving force behind science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics education.
In Pennsylvania, 20 projects in 13 school districts across Washington, Greene and Fayette counties will receive a combined $95,782 for initiatives aimed at topics including digital design, girls in STEAM, coding, robotics, and hydroponics.
Similarly, 17 projects in nine West Virginia counties — Brooke, Doddridge, Hancock, Harrison, Marion, Marshall, Monongalia, Preston, and Upshur — will receive a combined $78,410 for projects related to robotics, math and arts.
“We’re proud to support innovative teachers and school districts that are developing creative solutions to improve STEM education opportunities for children throughout our region,” said Stacey Olson, President of Chevron Appalachia. “Chevron places a high value on supporting communities where we’re privileged to work and recognizes the long-term importance of fostering educational opportunities. That’s why we’re committed to working with stakeholders to close the skills gap and develop a workforce that can thrive in opportunities across our growing energy and manufacturing sectors.”
Chevron and Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation funded the Innovation Grants as part of the Appalachia Partnership Initiative, a multi-year partnership established with an initial $20 million commitment from Chevron that seeks to strengthen economic and education environments by supporting long-term STEM and technical training programs.
