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RICHMOND, Calif. (KTVU) - Richmond High School senior Itzel Gonzalez is hoping to do what no member of her family has done before.
"I really do want to go to college," she said.
But money is tight for her family. "To go to a UC would be very difficult for me with what we make," she said. But some help may be on the way.
Chevron, whose refinery is based in Richmond, donated $8 million to a program aimed at helping Richmond Students afford college or a trade school. Chevron has agreed donate $27 million more over the next decade.
"This is real. This is happening. And our students will benefit from it," said Richmond Vice-mayor Jael Myrick.
The payment is part of a deal between Chevron and Richmond stemming from the refinery's modernization program.
Under the plan approximately 600 Richmond public school seniors would receive up to $4,000 a year to help pay for college.
One parent told KTVU off-camera that's not nearly enough when tuition can reach $40,000 a year. Others say it will help.
"That would be a good start. A good help. There are scholarships I could get. And $4,000 is a pretty good amount to start with," said Gonzalez.
The agreement is part of an uneasy alliance between the refinery and the city. Residents have often charged Chevron with putting profits over the health of the community.
Chevron says it is trying to win the trust of the citizens.
"First and foremost we have to run our refinery without incident. That's the way long term to do it. I think like other good corporate citizens to engage in the community financially and through volunteer efforts," said Chevron Project Manager Jeff Hartwig.
"Relationships between Richmond and Chevron have been volatile. They go up and down dramatically from year to year. But right now I would say we are kind of in a sweet spot," said Richmond Mayor Tom Butt.
The city hopes to attract other corporations and philanthropists to keep the college funding program going for decades to come.