Hundreds of New Zealand schools have put their hand up for a slice of the $100,000 raised by Caltex customers in the Fuel Your School initiative.

More than 200 schools have applied for the grants, which will contribute much needed funding for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) activities in the classroom.

The Royal Society of New Zealand, who are administering the initiative for Caltex, says it received hundreds of deserving applications from primary, intermediate, secondary and area schools throughout New Zealand, seeking grants of up to $5,000 to help their students' learning journey in STEM subjects.

“The number of applications from schools shows there is a real desire for funding around STEM based activities in New Zealand,” says Dr Andrew Cleland, chief executive of the Royal Society of New Zealand.

“There is already great work being done teaching children how maths, science, engineering and technology can be applied – our increasingly hi-tech economy will only continue to rely on more people with the skills to make a difference,” he says.

“With over $900,000 of funding requested across all submissions for $100,000 worth of funds, the decision making process is going to be a competitive one!

Dean Gilbert, Chevron NZ general manager, says STEM is an area of education that Caltex feels particularly passionate about, with its potential to change people's lives for the better.

 “This is the first time we have launched “Fuel Your School” in New Zealand and we are excited to be able to help develop STEM skills in classrooms across the country,” says Gilbert. “Caltex is always seeking unique ways to support Kiwi communities, and we're looking forward to seeing what STEM-based activities schools are wanting to pursue if they're granted funds.

Every time a customer redeemed their AA Smartfuel savings at Caltex service stations nationwide between 27 July and 23 August, Caltex donated 25c to the Fuel Your School fund, with the goal to reach $100,000 for Kiwi schools.