CARPINTERIA, CA – September 25, 2025 – The Chevron West Coast Decommissioning Program announced today a $30,000 donation to the Carpinteria Education Foundation (CEF). The generous gift will fund the Catalina Island Marine Institute (CIMI) field trip for all fifth-grade students in the Carpinteria Unified School District (CUSD) for the upcoming school year.
This critical funding comes at a time of extensive budget cuts within the district, which had jeopardized the beloved annual tradition. The three-day, two-night field trip to Catalina Island provides students with a unique hands-on learning experience in marine biology and oceanography, fostering a deeper connection to the natural world.
“This donation from the Chevron West Coast Decommissioning Program is a lifeline for our fifth graders,” said Pamela Werner, Executive Director of the Carpinteria Education Foundation. “The CIMI trip is more than just a field trip; it’s a transformative educational experience that many of our students wouldn’t be able to have otherwise. We are incredibly grateful to Chevron for their commitment to our community and to the future of our students.”
The donation reflects Chevron’s ongoing commitment to supporting local communities and investing in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education. The Chevron West Coast Decommissioning Program, which is focused on safely and responsibly decommissioning offshore oil and gas facilities, recognizes the importance of environmental stewardship and is proud to support an experience that instills a similar appreciation in young people.
“We are honored to partner with the Carpinteria Education Foundation to ensure this valuable educational opportunity continues for CUSD students,” said Mark Korte-Nahabedian, Corporate Affairs Advisor for the Chevron West Coast Decommissioning Program. “At Chevron, we strive to support the communities where we operate, and we hope this contribution inspires the next generation of environmental leaders and scientists.”
The CIMI field trip has been a rite of passage for CUSD fifth graders for decades, providing them with memorable lessons on marine life, conservation, and teamwork. Thanks to this timely donation, the tradition will continue.
About Carpinteria Education Foundation
The Carpinteria Education Foundation (CEF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the educational experience for all students in the Carpinteria Unified School District by providing funding for programs and resources beyond the scope of the regular school budget.
About the Chevron West Coast Decommissioning Program
The Chevron West Coast Decommissioning Program is responsible for the safe and responsible decommissioning of select offshore oil and gas facilities in the Central Coast and associated onshore facilities. The Program is committed to building genuine relationships with communities and regulatory agencies rooted in transparency, respect and earned trust.
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