STEM educationChevron contributes $1.5 million to new engineering education initiative

Chevron U.S.A. Inc. has contributed $1.5 million to a new National Academy of Engineering (NAE) initiative that will provide expert, research-based guidance to those involved in overseeing engineering education in kindergarten through grade 12. The initiative will create a clearinghouse of curriculum materials and resources and connect engineering education experts with teachers, administrators, and others involved in providing engineering experiences to K-12 students.

“We’re excited to support this project because Chevron believes that a solid grounding in the engineering design process is essential for creating a highly skilled work force and inspiring the nation’s future innovators and problem- solvers,” said Blair Blackwell, manager, education and corporate programs, Chevron.

“Thanks to Chevron’s generous gift, the NAE will provide solid, evidence-based support for teachers to help them improve the way that they teach engineering to elementary, middle, and high school students,” said Dan Mote, president of the National Academy of Engineering.

An NRC release reports that engineering education is likely to become more prominent in science classrooms due to the recently published Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), which will incorporate aspects of engineering into K-12 instruction. This new project will build upon scientific research that has identified best teaching approaches to help students make connections among science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Findings on how to help educators gain knowledge and confidence to teach engineering successfully will also be incorporated.

NAE will also partner with Achieve Inc. — the nonprofit that oversaw development of NGSS and is working with states to implement the new standards — the National Science Teachers Association, the American Society of Engineering Education, and the International Technology and Engineering Educators Association.