Cheveron El Segundo Refinery donates $2 million to South Bay

El Segundo Refinery has distributed a total $2 million to help fund science, technology, engineering and math-related programs at local schools.

The 2011 “Energy for Learning” grants were part of Chevron’s California Partnership, an initiative targeting investments in education and economic development throughout California, where Chevron is based.

“Education is the cornerstone of our state’s competitiveness,” Frank Semancik, general manager of Chevron El Segundo Refinery said in a statement. “Supporting STEM is a key Chevron value, and these funds are truly an investment in preparing the next generation workforce for increasingly technical careers.”

Among the grant recipients is Environmental Charter High School, which will use the funds towards renovating science and math classrooms to meet national standards and improving the school’s outdoor learning spaces.

Another recipient is Manhattan Beach Middle School, which will use its grant to continue to provide science and math programs for young women and create a curriculum for male students. The program includes studies in robotics, genetic engineering, alternative energy, bioinformatics, telematics, astrogeology, astrophysiology, astrobiology, space and ocean exploration, and environmental issues.

Another grant will be used by the Da Vinci Schools to outfit a campus-based energy center designed to provide project-based curriculum emphasizing the chemistry fundamentals of fossil fuels and alternative energy sources. Chevron’s gift will be used to provide the school with state-of-the-art lab equipment.

Other schools and programs supported by the $2 million grant include:

• California Academy of Math and Science

• El Segundo Unified School District

• El Camino College

• Centinela Valley Union High School District

• Da Vinci Science Academy

• DonorsChoose.org

• Environmental Charter High School

• Hawthorne School District

• Hermosa Beach City School District

• Hawthorne Math & Science Academy

• Lennox Math, Science and Technology Academy

• Manhattan Beach Unified School District

• Roundhouse Aquarium Oceanographic Teaching Station

• Project Lead the Way

• Wiseburn School District

• Redondo Beach Unified School District

Chevron El Segundo Refinery, owned by San Ramon-based Chevron Corp., began operations 100 years ago. The refinery covers 1,000 acres and employs more than 1,100 people.