Chevron & HENAAC partner on Viva Technology Program.

Chevron announced plans to continue its longstanding partnership with the Hispanic Engineer National Achievement Award Corporation (HENAAC) by entering into a three-year sponsorship of the Viva Technology Program, bringing this program to middle schools with high Hispanic attendance in Los Angeles and Houston, near areas where Chevron operates.

HENAAC was established in 1989 to identify and honor the contributions of outstanding Hispanics in the fields of science, engineering, technology and math in the United States. The Viva Technology Program later grew out of the organization’s desire to engage students, teachers and parents in the applications of technology to stimulate interest and academic achievement in these disciplines, thereby laying the foundation for students to select and succeed in college degree programs that lead to technical careers.

“Chevron has enjoyed a valuable partnership with HENAAC since its inception,” said Alex Archila, president of Chevron Canada Limited. “This is a perfect opportunity for our organizations to work together to help feed the country’s pipeline of future engineers, scientists and math professionals with promising diverse candidates.” HENAAC Chair Ray Mellado added, “HENAAC is proud of our partnership with Chevron, and we look forward to inspiring more Hispanic families to prepare for careers in technology.”

Part of the program will include Viva Technology Day at the selected schools, where students will rotate through a series of fun and competitive tasks that will help them learn about science and engineering. They will also listen to an industry professional talk about careers in these fields. At the end of the day, students will receive a Viva Technology student planner with tools designed to improve their academic achievement skills and also enjoy an opportunity to win high-tech prizes. There will be an orientation the night before, where parents can obtain valuable information on colleges, scholarships, work-study programs, and other useful information to help their children succeed in school.

Chevron embraces diversity as one of its core values, and firmly believes in the benefit of supporting programs that contribute to the quality of life in communities where it operates around the world. Hector Cavazos, a Chevron Health, Environment and Safety specialist who has worked with HENAAC for several years on Hispanic recruiting, said, “Our donation to the Viva Technology Program will help contribute to the educational development of middle school students who might not otherwise have an opportunity to pursue their interests in these technical professions.” Monica Villafaña, Viva Technology director, added, “With more corporations like Chevron understanding the need and value of early workforce development, Viva Technology will be able to make a significant impact in the lives of these students.”

Since its debut in 2001, the Viva Technology Program has been conducted at over 45 sites across the nation, including locations in Northern and Southern California, Nevada, Texas, Chicago, Louisiana, Georgia, Ohio, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Florida, with more to be scheduled this year. For more information about the Viva Technology Program, contact Monica Villafaña, Esq., Viva Technology Director at mo*************@he****.org or (323) 262-0997. http://www.henaac.org