The Appalachia Partnership Initiative is the beginning of a long-term commitment by Chevron in coordination with the Allegheny Conference on Community Development, the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation and RAND Corporation to improve STEM education and further develop a highly-skilled regional workforce. A 2012 workforce analysis report by Allegheny Conference determined that a shortage of skills in the local workforce could prevent energy companies from filling thousands of new jobs in the region. Chevron believes that the initiative will act as a catalyst for social investment that addresses workforce development and helps to build a new energy economy that creates jobs and economic development opportunities across the region. Chevron has announced new commitments to education and workforce development that include partnerships with Project Lead the Way, ShaleNET and Carnegie Mellon University.