Scholarship America Program Q&A: Chevron Phillips Chemical Dependent Scholarship Program

Chevron Phillips Chemical is one of the world’s leading producers of essential petrochemicals and polymers — a 50/50 joint venture between Chevron Corporation and Phillips 66, headquartered in The Woodlands, Texas. With 50,000 employees across 31 manufacturing and research facilities in six countries, the company’s products power everything from packaging to medical supplies to consumer goods. But beyond what they produce, Chevron Phillips Chemical is equally committed to investing in the people and communities that fuel its success.

As part of that commitment, the company offers an employee-dependent scholarship program that helps the children of its employees and retirees pursue higher education. Administered in partnership with Scholarship America, this program provides renewable scholarships for full-time undergraduate study at accredited institutions — opening doors for the next generation of innovators, leaders, and changemakers. The selection process is fully managed by Scholarship America to ensure transparency, equity, and academic rigor, with no involvement from Chevron Phillips Chemical in individual award decisions.

This program is just one facet of Chevron Phillips Chemical’s broader focus on social impact and corporate responsibility. Leading this work is Endira Hawkins, the company’s Community Affairs Advisor. From shaping strategic community partnerships to managing employee volunteer programs and advising senior leaders on philanthropy, Hawkins helps ensure that Chevron Phillips Chemical’s corporate values are reflected in every community where it operates. The scholarship program has become a powerful way for the company to support employees, attract and retain top talent, and build lasting goodwill across its global footprint.

We recently spoke with Hawkins to learn more about the impact of the scholarship program — and how it helps Chevron Phillips Chemical deliver on its mission to support both education and opportunity.

Scholarship America: What’s your role at CPChem, and how do you work with the scholarship program?

Endira Hawkins: I am the Community Affairs Advisor housed at CPChem’s Corporate HQ. I manage the Scholarship program at CPChem—everything from promotion of the program, to verifying eligibility with our HR team, to drafting the press release to announce the winners.

SA: Why does CPChem feel it’s so important to invest in scholarships for its workforce and their families?

EH: Investing in the education of these students is important to our company because we value students advancing their educational pursuits. We also understand that our future workforce is potentially in these scholars. How amazing is it to have those full circle moments—where students who we’ve supported as recipients come back to us as employees. Personally, as an educator, I believe that it only takes one display of support to change the trajectory of a student’s life.

SA: How has the program been received by your employees?

EH: The Dependents’ Scholarship program has been received very favorably with our employees. Each year we have an uptick in the number of students who apply. We post pictures, names and future plans of each recipient to our internal platform, so it allows the parents to also have a moment in the spotlight.

SA: How do you see your program evolving and developing in the coming years?

EH: I see more students applying and I anticipate more focus being directed to the scholarship program on a global scale.

SA: Do you have any recommendations or advice for other organizations considering establishing a scholarship program for their employees’ families?

EH: I would encourage those organizations to go for it! The setup process is flawless, and the Scholarship America team provides the highest level of support. I would also encourage organizations to have a robust rollout, including communication and a team that will help promote it internally.

SA: Are you in touch with past scholarship recipients? If so, what have they gone on to do that’s stood out?

EH: Most of our local community reps at our plant facilities stay in touch with their recipients. I do get a few emails with updates from students—most have gone to graduate school, and others are pursuing internships or study abroad programs. It’s great to know that Chevron Phillips Chemical played a small, but important role, in their college matriculation.

SA: What advice would you give to applicants?

EH: Apply early! Even if applicants are freshmen, peruse the online form to get an idea of the supporting documents that are needed. The sooner you can get in touch with your campus counselor, the more prepared you will be when the time comes.