Chevron Corp. will invest up to $4 million to support science education in selected New Orleans public middle schools through its “Energy for Learning” program.

Energy for Learning will support grades six, seven and eight at various schools in the area. Students at these schools will benefit from state-of-the-art laboratory equipment, professional development for middle school science teachers, and activities and supplies designed to enrich the Louisiana science curriculum.

“Chevron created Energy for Learning to support public school education in Louisiana and Mississippi following hurricanes Katrina and Rita. This three-year program is designed to support both public school students and teachers and offer lasting benefits to the Orleans Parish community,” said Chevron’s Gulf of Mexico Business Unit vice president Melody Meyer.

Chevron is partnering with the Exploratorium, a nationally recognized provider of science and math professional development, to deliver 90 hours of professional development to sixth-, seventh- and eighth-grade science teachers during the 2007-08 and 2008-09 school years.

“We believe that this initiative can deliver the most impact in middle schools. These students are in the best learning position to enhance their science and technology knowledge and develop the skills that will propel them to success in high school and beyond,” said Chanel Jolly, Chevron’s Energy for Learning program director.

Launched in 2006, Chevron’s $18 million Energy for Learning program is in addition to an $8 million commitment made following Hurricane Katrina to aid short-term relief and reconstruction and $1 million in education grants currently under way in New Orleans.