A new gift from Chevron will help fuel the next generation of innovators in the Central Valley.
Chevron announced a $450,000 donation to Fresno State on Jan. 24 in support of a number of key initiatives in several areas across campus to advance science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) programs.
“It is very exciting to see how our contribution will be implemented and will make a direct impact not only in the classrooms but also in the community,” said Marc Guzman, a reservoir supervisor with Chevron who represented the company at the gift announcement on campus at the Smittcamp Alumni House.
This marks the second consecutive year of major gifts from Chevron. In October 2017, Chevron gave a $450,000 donation in support of STEM programs in the Lyles College of Engineering and the College of Science and Mathematics.
“Thousands of students’ lives have been transformed by Chevron’s generosity, which allows us to educate a new generation of leaders that is prepared to boldly address regional and national challenges,” said Fresno State President Joseph I. Castro. “With strong community partners like Chevron, we will continue to graduate innovative scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs, teachers and researchers who help to elevate the Central Valley and beyond.”
This new gift from Chevron will benefit even more programs at Fresno State, in the following areas: the Lyles College, College of Health and Human Services, Craig School of Business, Office of Community and Economic Development and Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management.
Chevron will support the following Fresno State initiatives:
- $150,000 — Community Mobile Health Unit, College of Health and Human Services: The Community Mobile Health Unit will continue to provide essential health care services for underserved individuals and support hands-on health education in West Fresno and Fresno County rural communities.
- $140,000 — Control Systems Laboratory, Lyles College of Engineering: This gift will enhance laboratory experiences for undergraduate and graduate students whose interests lie in computer control, robotics, automated manufacturing and intelligent sensors. The newly acquired laboratory equipment will allow students to model, design and simulate physical systems building upon the advanced theories they learn in the classroom. This academic addition will help manufacturers and production companies hiring Fresno State Engineers throughout the Central Valley.
- $100,000 — Engineering Pathways, Lyles College of Engineering: Chevron’s gift will support K-14 outreach programs that enrich students in engineering and construction management fields and encourage career exploration. The gift will also support University-level programs focused on developing students to become workforce-ready professionals.
- $25,000 — STEM 5, Craig School of Business – Lyles Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Chevron’s gift will support STEM 5, a student-centered, teacher-facilitated Next Generation Science Program administered by the Lyles Center. The program teaches over 6,000 fifth- and sixth-grade students STEM concepts like matter, ecosystems, earth systems, engineering and space systems. The program trains teachers in rural and West Fresno.
- $25,000 — Parent University, Office of Community and Economic Development: Chevron’s gift will help facilitate economic growth through various comprehensive courses and technical assistance workshops taught on campus and at several rural and West Fresno community sites. Parent University offers courses in English, Spanish and Hmong, and assists Valley parents with digital literacy and parenting skills.
- $10,000 — Homecoming, Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management: Chevron’s support of Homecoming Week, held in October 2018, helped make it one of the most successful homecomings in recent history. The event engages students, alumni and the greater community with memorable University traditions and events for the entire family.
“Chevron’s contributions support career readiness, STEM education and community engagement,” Dr. Castro said. “We hope to continue strengthening our partnership for the greater good of our region, nation and world.”
