The California State University has received a $1 million grant from Chevron to help integrate engineering design into K-12 teacher preparation through the CSU’s Pathways to New Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Teacher Excellence initiative.

The initiative will prepare K-12 teachers to implement the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), a multi-state effort to create new education standards that provide all students an internationally benchmarked science education. It includes five components—each with an emphasis in engineering design—that provide future teachers with hands-on experience to help them learn how to teach STEM disciplines through inquiry and problem-solving.

“This support from Chevron will help to ensure CSU is educating K-12 teachers who will encourage the practice and application of engineering in the classroom—inspiring a new generation of engineers,” said CSU Executive Vice Chancellor and Chief Academic Officer Ephraim Smith. “Through its several components, the grant supports the CSU’s leadership as the nation’s largest preparer of educators and of future STEM teachers.”

“Through this partnership, we aim to increase the number of teachers across California that have expertise in fostering project-based, hands-on learning, innovation, and problem solving,” said Blair Blackwell, manager of education and corporate programs at Chevron. “This collaboration underscores our commitment to ensuring that teachers have the foundation they need to cultivate the excitement of engineering at all grade levels.”

The grant bolsters the CSU’s existing partnership with Chevron. Throughout the past year, the CSU has worked with Chevron to staff “The Chevron STEM ZONE,” an interactive space where students learn how STEM connects to everyday life through hands-on activities.

About the California State University

The California State University is the largest system of senior higher education in the country, with 23 campuses, approximately 447,000 students and 45,000 faculty and staff. The CSU awards more than 100,000 degrees annually and since its creation in 1961 has conferred nearly 2.9 million.