Chevron Richmond* Invests $15.5 million to Improve Local Economy and Schools in Richmond
Chevron Richmond today announced a $15.5 million investment in Richmond to create jobs, grow small businesses, expand job training opportunities and improve schools over the next five years.
Leadership from Chevron Richmond joined stakeholders from across the community to announce the launch of the unprecedented Community Revitalization Initiative, the company’s largest social investment program to date in Contra Costa County. Of the total investment, $10 million will fund a long-term economic development plan that will target Richmond communities that have traditionally been overlooked. Another $5.5 million will be directed to local education programs to improve test scores and help prepare students for college and careers in emerging industries. The funding will be concentrated on expanding science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programs, increasing professional development for teachers and creating state-of-the-art science and math laboratories.
“Chevron Richmond is dedicated to helping Richmond thrive, and we are committed to not only improving the quality of life for all residents but transforming the economic landscape of this community,” said Kory Judd, Refinery General Manger. “Following two years of intense research and planning, we are incredibly proud today to announce the launch of this unique program – our largest and most significant to date in Richmond. We believe this ambitious project will drive significant economic revitalization that will help Richmond and its residents reach their greatest potential.”
Today’s announcement culminates a two-year planning process built on input from a taskforce of community stakeholders, including law enforcement, nonprofits, city and county government, education and business.
Over the next five years, the initiative will develop partnerships with local lending institutions to provide loans for small businesses and homeowners and foster greater collaboration among businesses, nonprofits and community colleges to increase job training and adult education programs for Richmond workers, among other economic development strategies.
“I don’t always agree with Chevron, but I agree with this project,” said Dr. Henry Clark, a longtime community activist in Richmond and the executive director of the West County Toxics Coalition. “Chevron has worked to engage the community for more than two years, and I know that this project will meet the community’s needs and make a huge difference in the economic health of this city and in the lives of residents.”
Schools will also see benefits, with immediate funding dedicated to improved programming and teacher development training.
“Chevron’s significant investment will help strengthen schools and improve programs in classrooms district-wide, ensuring that all of our students have access to a better education and the preparation they need to be college and career-ready,” said Dr. Bruce Harter, Superintendent for the West Contra Costa Unified School District.
About Chevron Richmond
For more than 110 years, Chevron Richmond has been a vital part of Richmond creating jobs for local residents, supporting local business that power the economy, paying taxes that fund essential public services such as schools, police and fire, and supporting programs that train workers and prepare students for the future. Since 2009, Chevron Richmond has spent $288 million with local businesses and given more than $15 million to support local organizations and nonprofits. More information is available at www.ChevronRichmond.com<http://cts.vresp.com/c/?ChevronRichmondRefin/6a3c599108/238e73e1fa/afea31d0ba>.
* Chevron Richmond is shorthand for Chevron U.S.A. Inc.’s Richmond Refinery and other divisions located in Richmond.
