richmond refinery newsletter september 2016

richmond today _________ human energy®

commitment to education By Andrea Bailey

Few factors are more important to the future success of our community than having a well-educated and well-trained population, particularly in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Chevron is investing resources and partnering with education advocates including the West Contra Costa Unified School District (WCCUSD) and others to develop innovative programs that will improve local schools and inspire students to learn.

compromiso con la educación Por Andrea Bailey

Pocas cosas son más importantes para el éxito futuro de nuestra comunidad que tener una población bien educada y bien capacitada, especialmente en los campos de ciencia, tecnología, ingeniería y matemáticas (STEM). Chevron ha invertido recursos y se ha asociado con defensores de la educación, entre ellos el Distrito Escolar Unificado de West Contra Costa (WCCUSD) y otros para desarrollar programas innovadores que mejorarán las escuelas locales y motivarán a los estudiantes a aprender.

In addition to providing students with the resources to pay for college, the Promise has the potential to make college dreams a reality for generations of local youth.

Proporcionamos la inversión inicial de $35 millones de dólares en la Promesa de Richmond, programa que ofrece becas a todos los estudiantes de Richmond que reúnen los requisitos y que se gradúan de la escuela secundaria en el área de WCCUSD. Además de proveer a los estudiantes recursos para pagar la universidad, el programa Promesa tiene la posibilidad de hacer realidad los sueños de los niños de la localidad de ir a la universidad durante generaciones.

We’re proud to play a role in helping improve access to quality education here in Richmond. It’s not just the right thing to do — it’s also our responsibility as a good neighbor.

Nos sentimos orgullosos por contribuir a mejorar el acceso a educación de calidad aquí en Richmond. No sólo se trata de hacer lo correcto, también es nuestra responsabilidad como buenos vecinos.

Andrea Bailey is the Community Engagement Manager for Chevron Richmond

Andrea Bailey es gerente de relaciones con la comunidad de Chevron Richmond

We are providing the initial $35 million investment in the Richmond Promise which is providing scholarships to every eligible Richmond student who graduates from high school in the WCCUSD area.

richmond promise fast facts

236

$35million

students received scholarships in 2016

initial grant from Chevron

$1,500

73

annual amount awarded to each student

number of colleges/universities attended by Promise scholars in 2016-17

Para descargar una traducción al español completa, visite chevronrichmond.com

Thinking About College? The Richmond Promise is here to help! The Richmond Promise is a community-wide college scholarship fund and college success initiative. It is a unified effort between the City of Richmond, West Contra Costa Unified School District, Contra Costa College and the Richmond community to build a college-graduating culture in Richmond where all young people graduate high school with the skills necessary to access and attain high quality post-secondary education.

Becoming a scholar as easy as A-B-C:

A

B

Have you been a Richmond or North Richmond resident for at least four years?

Are you graduating from a high school within the West Contra Costa Unified School District boundaries?

C Have you attended local schools since the 9th grade?

Tips for success: KNOW YOUR RESOURCES • Visit your school’s College and Career Center • Attend Cash for College Workshops & Getting Ready for College Event on October 29! • Visit us online at www.richmondpromise.org

IMPORTANT DEADLINES • October 2: FAFSA/Dream Act Opens • October 3: Richmond Promise Application Opens • December 16: Richmond Promise Early Application Deadline • March 2: Deadline to Submit FAFSA/Dream Act Application • March 10: Richmond Promise Application Deadline

CREATE YOUR CHECKLIST • Create a personal (and professional) email address • Begin the Richmond Promise application soon after it opens on October 3 • Save all of your passwords in a safe place • Upload your SAR/CalSAR to your Richmond Promise Application

Need help? Call us at (510) 620-6531 or email us at [email protected].

preparing students for college By Matt Duffy

Promoting a college-going culture is a critical component of our work in the West Contra Costa Unified School District (WCCUSD). We aim to instill a college-going culture at every grade level, exposing students to a rigorous academic curriculum and providing access to cutting-edge technology. It is our goal that by the time every student reaches 4th grade, they understand we expect them to enjoy learning, work hard and be prepared to go to college.

preparación universitaria Por Matt Duffy

Promover una cultura de asistir a la universidad es un componente fundamental de nuestro trabajo en el Distrito Escolar Unificado de West Contra Costa (WCCUSD). Nos enfocamos en infundir una cultura de asistir a la universidad en cada grado escolar, exponiendo a los estudiantes a un plan académico riguroso y proveyendo acceso a tecnología de vanguardia. Nuestro objetivo es que para cuando los estudiantes lleguen a 4o. grado, entiendan que esperamos que disfruten el aprendizaje, el trabajo duro y que se preparen para ir a la universidad.

We want students to seek out different post-secondary options where they can. After all, it is essential to get our students ready for many different career options, whether it be a four-year university or an advanced construction profession. We are excited to partner with the Richmond Promise, which is helping make college more affordable for our students. Equally as important, the Promise is connecting students with the resources and support needed to thrive once they get there.

Queremos que los estudiantes busquen diversas opciones de estudios posteriores a la secundaria donde puedan hacerlo. Después de todo, es esencial preparar a nuestros estudiantes para muchas opciones profesionales, ya sea en una universidad de cuatro años o en una profesión avanzada de construcción. Nos entusiasma ser socios de la Promesa de Richmond, que está ayudando a hacer más accesible la universidad para nuestros estudiantes. De igual importancia, la Promesa relaciona a los estudiantes con los recursos y el apoyo necesarios para que prosperen una vez que lleguen ahí.

As the new District Superintendent, I am particularly excited to be part of this effort which is going to help our students see their college dreams become a reality.

Como nuevo Superintendente del Distrito, estoy especialmente entusiasmado de ser parte de este esfuerzo que ayudará a nuestros estudiantes a hacer realidad sus sueños de ir a la universidad.

Matt Duffy is the Superintendent of the West Contra Costa Unified School District

Matt Duffy es el Superintendente del Distrito Escolar Unificado de West Contra Costa

Q&A meet our neighbors

Jessie Stewart Title: Executive Director Organization: Richmond Promise Education: BA in History, Political Science, Education, University of Michigan; Masters in City and Regional Planning, University of Oregon

Tell us about the vision behind the Richmond Promise program As the mission implies, the Richmond Promise is envisioned as a transformational opportunity for the community – making college graduation a reality for all Richmond students. Our goal is for every young person from Richmond to be college and career-bound – with the knowledge that there is a community of support invested in their success. Why is a college-graduating culture so important for Richmond? We hear ‘college-going’ all the time, but it is a shift to the ‘collegegraduating’ culture that is so critical to cultivate within and beyond a classroom. This mindset begins to allow young people to see themselves differently, navigate pathways to opportunity and go to college with confidence. It is important to instill this culture at a young age because it builds an expectation that college is not a privilege, but a right, and a prerequisite…with a community of support behind each young person. What does it mean for a company like Chevron be a part of the Promise program? Chevron is a partner beyond their investment, working to identify and align the Promise with other existing initiatives that are related to our mission. To me, that demonstrates their commitment to educational equity in Richmond. My experience has solidified the role that Chevron plays in the larger community: Not just a funder, but a real partner in both thought and action. Who are some other partners in the Promise program? Contra Costa College (CCC) has been a great partner, working with us to forge this seamless transition from high school to college. In fact, one-fourth of our 2016 recipients are attending CCC this fall. The West Contra Costa Unified School District has also been essential in cultivating a college-going culture, helping us maximize our reach and qualify as many students as possible. And the City of Richmond has also been a crucial partner. Not a lot of cities see education as their business. Here in Richmond, they really do see prioritizing education as a pillar of the city’s economic vitality. What do you like to do in Richmond? My favorite restaurant is Houng Tra – I really love their spring rolls with a side of peanut sauce! The Bay Trail has unparalleled views and is great for biking and running. And recently, I was part of the Rosie the Riveter Guinness Record event. It was really awesome to see the pride our community members have for Richmond’s past, present and future. What advice would you give to students to prepare for college? You are your best advocate. Visit your college and career center and identify the people at your school and in your community that are capable of helping you. Get involved early in college readiness and access programs, starting freshman year. Lastly, we are fortunate to live in a state that provides the most generous state funding for students. Fill out your financial aid and Richmond Promise applications. Know your deadlines so you can access as much free money as possible.

Chevron Richmond 841 Chevron Way Richmond, CA 94801

for more information Email [email protected] or call 510-242-2000. For noise and odor complaints, please contact 510-242-2127.

para más información Email a [email protected] o llamando al número 510-242-2000. Para quejas relacionadas con ruidos y olores, por favor llame al número 510-242-2127.

Save the date! You’re Invited to a Telephone Town Hall on the Richmond Promise Tuesday, October 11, 6:30 p.m. Learn how to apply for a scholarship. Get answers to your questions. The event will feature: • Jessie Stewart, Executive Director, Richmond Promise • Matt Duffy, Superintendent, West Contra Costa Unified School District • Mojdeh Mehdizadeh, President, Contra Costa College Hosted by Chevron and the Richmond Promise

Registration is required. To sign up, visit www.richmondtownhall.com or call 510-242-4507.