Chevron’s $10K donation to ‘Scholars’ Dollars’ to support Pecos County students
Chevron recently donated $10,000 to a Midland College scholarship fund that will benefit Pecos County students attending the college’s William Regional Technical Training Center (WRTTC) in Fort Stockton.
Jonathan Harshman, public and government affairs advisor for Chevron’s Mid-Continent Business Unit, presented the check to students at the Scholars’ Dollars Scholarship Fund Drive Kick-Off luncheon on May 4, according to a Midland College/WRTTC Facebook post.
Chevron has a longstanding partnership with the WRTTC, which provides more than 250 students in the Fort Stockton area with financial support for academic course work, continuing education and customized training courses each semester. Located at South I-10 Frontage Road, north of Fort Stockton High School, the Center boasts a multi-purpose science lab, nursing lab, multi-use computer lab, classrooms, a library, student lounge, advising center and more.
“Many are graduating with 30-to-60 plus college credits (equivalent to 1-2 years of college) thanks to their participation in the WRTTC dual credit program.”
Last year, Chevron deepened its relationship with the WRTTC by hosting their students for a tour of its Permian Basin Training Center in Midland. Some of those students also attended the May 4 luncheon as Scholars’ Dollars recipients.
“One of the things that struck me at the luncheon was how impressive the students are,” Harshman said.
Harshman noted how several of the students are set to graduate later this month from Fort Stockton High.
“Many are graduating with 30-to-60 plus college credits (equivalent to 1-2 years of college) thanks to their participation in the WRTTC dual credit program,” Harshman said.
He added that the students have been accepted into colleges across Texas, including the University of Texas, Texas Tech University and the University of Texas at San Antonio, among others.
Harshman notes the WRTTC dual credit program is made possible, in part, through the Scholars’ Dollars scholarships supported by donors like Chevron. At the May 4 luncheon, Scholars’ Dollars also received a $5,000 contribution from the Fort Stockton Rotary Club, $1,000 from First National Bank Fort Stockton, and $500 from Panther Pictures.
The Scholars’ Dollars Fund Drive is working to raise funds in the community from May 1 through Aug. 31. And there may be no better time to support the Scholars’ Drive than right now. The Abell-Hanger Foundation is generously matching donations to the drive by Pecos County residents up to $15,000 through Aug. 31.
To make or inquire about making a donation, contact Matt Tarpley at (432) 336-7882 or mtarpley@midland.edu.
“Midland College Williams Regional Technical Training Center, Scholars’ Dollars Scholarship Board and students are very fortunate to have such great partners like Chevron, and to have been blessed to maintain the long-standing relationship with Chevron over the years,” Tarpley said. “Chevron’s partnership with the Scholars’ Dollars Scholarship Fund annually is a catalyst to motivate donors to ignite the gift giving. The College, Board, and students that benefit from the generosity of Chevron recognize the importance of impact this corporate partner has had over the 20+ years of supporting Pecos County residents taking courses at the WRTTC.”
For local students in need of Scholars Dollars, visit the MC/WRTTC website for application information here. For program updates, follow the MC/WRTTC Facebook page.
“One of the best thing about this small town is not just that we have a college in our backyard, it’s that our community comes together when we need it most,” said Ethny Valenzuela, the President for Midland College/WRTTC’s Alumni Association.
