Innovation is getting more support in the wake of a generous $10,000 DonorsChoose education grant from Chevron. Students at Hightower Elementary School will now have even more learning materials and resources to expand their imaginations into the exciting world of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education.
On October 18, Chevron presented the school with this grant, which had Hightower Principal Shelia Price beaming with gratitude and expressing her thanks to Chevron for their generous partnership.
“We’re excited about this donation. We’ve been partners with Chevron for many years,” Principal Price said. “They’ve always supported our school, they’re right here in the neighborhood, and they’re always giving back to us, and I just want to say thank you.”
Hightower Elementary holds the prestigious certification as a STEM school by Cognia, a renowned nonprofit organization dedicated to accrediting primary and secondary schools worldwide. Principal Price acknowledges the unique challenges of introducing sustainability concepts to elementary students.
“Ensuring we have what we need to introduce the material to our students at this age is so important. This grant is going to help us tremendously,” said Ms. Price. “We can purchase materials, supplies, and experiences for our students so that they are exposed to STEM careers and know what’s out there and available for them. We try to use real-world problems to introduce to them, and they come up with creative ways to solve those problems.”
DonorsChoose is a nonprofit organization that allows individuals to donate directly to public school classroom projects, which provides an easy way for Chevron to continue its mission to support public school students and teachers. Since 2021, Chevron has invested almost $3.5 million and funded nearly 4,300 projects, profoundly impacting classrooms nationwide.
However, its commitment continues. Chevron will present $100,000 in DonorsChoose education grants to identified Florida, Georgia, and Texas school districts. Amy Brandenstein, Community Affairs Representative for Chevron Pascagoula Refinery, praised Hightower Elementary’s dedication to STEM education.
“They are doing great things for the children. Once a month, they are focusing on science experiments and projects that will help solve real problems, which is amazing to do at the elementary level,” said Ms. Brandenstein. “Kudos for giving the students these great opportunities, and we’re happy to be a partner.”
Principal Price said she is thankful for the generous corporate sponsorship and underscored that it will expand her students’ education by providing them with more tools, knowledge, and inspiration to excel in STEM subjects.