New Zealand schools set to receive funding for STEM subjects

WHAT DO 2,347 NEW BUNSEN BURNERS LOOK LIKE?

New Zealand schools set to receive funding for STEM subjects

11 AUGUST, 2015, Auckland, NZ – As of today Caltex customers have supported the company’s mission to the tune of $54,000 as they try and raise $100,000 through the “Fuel Your School” initiative, which will see schools receive funding towards improving STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) activities in the classroom. $54,000 would buy 2,347 Bunsen burners, or 7,012 sets of test tubes, let alone 2,812 soldering kits for budding engineers.

Every time a customer redeems their AA Smartfuel savings at Caltex service stations nationwide* before 23 August, Caltex will donate 25c to the Fuel Your School fund, with the goal of reaching $100,000 for deserving Kiwi schools. Primary, intermediate and secondary schools throughout New Zealand will be able to apply for grants of up to $5,000 to help their students’ learning journey in STEM subjects.

Dr Tony Hickey, a senior lecturer in Comparative Physiology and Biochemistry at the University of Auckland, is a hands-on Kiwi scientist who tries to save money wherever he can by building his own lab equipment to ensure that his ground-breaking work can continue.

“I love science, and it’s definitely an exciting time for kids to be learning how the world works – and how we can make things better. I spend a lot of time trying to get grants for gear and the work that we are doing, which I’d rather spend on developing solutions to the world’s problems. If we can support more learning in schools – my students will come to university better prepared and it’s highly likely they’ll make amazing discoveries faster!”

Dean Gilbert, Chevron NZ General Manager, is delighted that Kiwis have got in behind the project as STEM is an area of education that Caltex feels particularly passionate about, with its potential to change people’s lives for the better.

“’Fuel Your School’ is taking off – as it has done in other parts of the world. We’re looking forward to seeing how Kiwi kids take up the challenge to develop their STEM skills.”

Caltex is always seeking unique ways to support Kiwi communities, and we’re looking forward to seeing what STEM-based activities schools are wanting to pursue if they’re granted funds,” says Gilbert.

Caltex is working with the Royal Society of New Zealand to help encourage schools to apply and to assist with deciding which schools should be awarded a share of the funds (up to $5,000 each) – ensuring the initiative provides Kiwi kids with long-term educational benefits.

The Royal Society of New Zealand’s Chief Executive Dr Andrew Cleland says the money raised from Fuel Your School will contribute towards raising awareness of STEM and improving its integration into schools’ curriculums.

“It’s pleasing to see the commitment by Caltex to fund activities in schools that will enable young people to access improved learning experiences in science.

“There is already great work being done by New Zealand’s forward-thinking science teaching leaders, who are teaching students how maths, science and technology can be applied. This can inspire students to think differently about their future careers. An increasingly hi-tech economy needs more people with the skills to make a difference.

“We are pleased to assist Caltex in its Fuel Your School initiative to enable more schools throughout the country to offer STEM activities,” says Cleland.

For more information about Fuel Your School, visit: http://fuelyourschool.caltex.co.nz.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

* All Caltex service stations that accept AA Smartfuel cards

* Standard discount of 6 cents per litre will apply on every other day throughout the campaign period

About Chevron

Chevron markets the Caltex brand in New Zealand, with more than 220 service stations and truck stops throughout the country. Chevron New Zealand is a wholly owned subsidiary of Chevron Corporation. Chevron is one of the world’s leading integrated energy companies, with subsidiaries that conduct business worldwide. The company is involved in virtually every facet of the energy industry. Chevron explores for, produces and transports crude oil and natural gas; refines, markets and distributes transportation fuels and lubricants; manufactures and sells petrochemical products; generates power and produces geothermal energy; provides energy efficiency solutions; and develops the energy resources of the future, including biofuels. Chevron is based in San Ramon, Calif. More information about Chevron is available at www.chevron.com.

About the Royal Society of New Zealand

The Royal Society of New Zealand offers expert advice to government and the public, recognises excellence in research and scholarship in science, technology and humanities, promotes science and technology education, publishes peer-reviewed journals, administers funds for research and fosters international scientific contact and co-operation. www.royalsociety.org.nz

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