News Release
For Immediate Release
Chevron Canada Announces New Partnership With The Rooms To Bring Award-Winning Educational Program To Newfoundland And Labrador
Calgary, December 10, 2008 -- Chevron Canada Resources is pleased to announce it has entered into a partnership with The Rooms Corporation of Newfoundland and Labrador to bring an award-winning educational program to students in all grade levels in St. John’s and surrounding areas.
Under a multi-year funding agreement, Chevron will contribute more than $375,000 over three years to launch the Chevron Open Minds Program. This internationally recognized educational initiative advances student learning by moving classrooms into enrichening environments for a full one-week period.
“We are delighted to be partnering with The Rooms to bring this unique educational model to Newfoundland and Labrador,” said Mark Nelson, president of Chevron Canada. “By combining the tremendous learning environment of The Rooms with the proven success of the Open Minds approach, this partnership will positively impact students and teachers in the same way that it has in Calgary, where Chevron has been funding the program for the past 15 years.”
“Through Chevron’s generosity, The Rooms is excited to be able to implement this innovative education program,” said Dean Brinton, chief executive officer of The Rooms. “The Open Minds Program will provide students with a dynamic opportunity to explore our province’s rich history and culture and to access important collections that tell the story of the people, the land, the art and the natural history of Newfoundland and Labrador.”
It is anticipated that a total of 20 different schools/classes will participate in the Open Minds Program at The Rooms in the 2009 pilot year, with the first students expected to arrive in February 2009. An additional 28 schools/classes will benefit from the program in 2010 and 2011, respectively.
Next steps will see The Rooms recruit a coordinator, develop the application process for schools and teachers, begin teacher meetings to develop program outlines and prepare an on-site classroom.
The Chevron Open Minds Program began in 1993 with the introduction of the first school at the Calgary Zoo. It has since won over 30 national and international awards. For additional information on the program, please visit http://www.chevronopenminds.ca.
The Rooms Corporation unites the Provincial Archives, Art Gallery and Museum of Newfoundland and Labrador. It is filled with art and artifacts, specimens and historical resources that can inspire, engage and open young minds to all sorts of possibilities, helping them to become creative, curious and thoughtful citizens of the 21st Century.
Chevron Canada is actively engaged in oil and gas exploration and production activities in Atlantic Canada, Northern Canada and the Alberta oil sands. Chevron Canada has been a key player in Canada’s energy industry for 70 years and is committed to supporting the growth of Canada’s energy future as a partner of choice with governments, regulators and communities.
Media Contacts:
The Rooms Corporation
Anne Chafe
Director, The Rooms Provincial Museum
The Rooms Corporation of Newfoundland and Labrador
St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador
(709) 757-8077
Chevron Canada
Tim Murphy
External Affairs Manager (Atlantic Canada)
St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador
(709) 757-6108