Chevron Funds Expansion of Digital Energy Computer Game

Donation to fund second and third years of initiative, which will expand to include grades 4 and 5 this fall

January 18, 2012
Chevron
Chevron Public Affairs Manager Joni Baird (center) presents a check for $200,000 to Superintendent of Schools Terry B. Grier and Board of Education member Paula M. Harris for the expansion and continuation of the New Digital Energy computer game.

Chevron Corporation presented the Houston Independent School District with a $200,000 check during the district's January Board of Education meeting. The money will fund an expansion of the New Digital Energy computer game, which sharpens math and science skills and promotes careers in technology, science, engineering, and mathematics.

The game allows students to build and maintain virtual power plants across America. As students progress in playing, they experience more difficult levels of math and science, which they must complete within an eight-hour time limit.

"It was important for us to fund this because it has been such a success," said Chevron Public Affairs Manager Joni Baird. "The level of student engagement far surpassed our expectations."

Chevron made an initial donation of $250,000 to create and design the game. The game was designed by Tietronix Software and launched during the 2010-2011 school year for sixth- through tenth-graders. Chevron's most recent donation will fund the game for years two and three.

The game was recently expanded to include eleventh and twelfth grade students. In fall of 2012, the game will be expanded to include fourth and fifth-grade students.

During the 2011-2012 school year, 37 HISD schools participated in the game and more than 1,500 students registered to play.