West Hills Community College District Celebrates 10 Years of Chevron Science Summer
Camp with Alumni Science Camp Fun Day
COALINGA, Calif. — A decade ago, a vision to inspire the next generation of scientists,
engineers, and innovators took root in rural Fresno County. Today, that vision has
grown into a thriving STEM pipeline thanks to more than $1 million in investments
from Chevron supporting students across Coalinga, Firebaugh, and neighboring communities.
West Hills Community College District (WHCCD) and Chevron are celebrating the 10th
anniversary of the Chevron Science Summer Camp, a program that has introduced hundreds
of elementary and middle school students to science, technology, engineering, and
mathematics (STEM) through free, hands-on learning experiences.
Over the past decade, Chevron's investment has extended far beyond summer camp. Funding
has supported robotics competitions, STEM recruitment and outreach events, the Chevron
Makerspace at Coalinga College, and other initiatives designed to encourage students
to pursue STEM education and careers. Together, these efforts have helped create a
pathway that begins with young learners and continues through college and into the
workforce.
"What began as a summer camp has evolved into an opportunity for students to see themselves
as future scientists, engineers, programmers, and innovators," said Coalinga College
MESA Director Zach Soto. "Chevron's commitment to STEM education has created lasting
opportunities for students and families throughout our rural communities."
To celebrate this milestone, West Hills Community College District will host a 10th
Anniversary Alumni Science Camp Fun Day on Friday, June 26, at 11 a.m. at Coalinga
College. The event will bring together current campers, former participants, educators,
community leaders, and Chevron representatives to recognize a decade of STEM exploration
and achievement.
Former campers who have continued their educational journeys through Coalinga College
and on to four-year universities are expected to attend and share how early exposure
to STEM helped shape their academic and career goals.
Media Invitation
Members of the media are invited to attend the 10th Anniversary Alumni Science Camp
Fun Day on Friday, June 26, at 11 a.m. Opportunities will be available for interviews
with former campers, current participants, Coalinga College leaders, MESA Director
Zach Soto, and Chevron representatives.
The celebration will highlight how industry and education partnerships can expand
opportunities for students in rural communities while helping develop the future workforce
needed to meet growing demands in STEM fields.
The Chevron Science Summer Camp continues to serve students in Coalinga and Firebaugh,
providing free STEM enrichment opportunities to families in communities where access
to educational programming is often limited.
Event Information
10th Anniversary Alumni Science Camp Fun Day
Date: Friday, June 26, 2026
Time: 11:00 a.m.
Location: Coalinga College, 300 Cherry Lane, Coalinga, CA 93210
Date: Friday, June 26, 2026
Time: 11:00 a.m.
Location: Coalinga College, 300 Cherry Lane, Coalinga, CA 93210
For additional information or to arrange interviews, contact:
Amber Myrick
District Director of Marketing, Communications, and Public Information
West Hills Community College District
ambermyrick@whccd.edu
District Director of Marketing, Communications, and Public Information
West Hills Community College District
ambermyrick@whccd.edu