ExxonMobil Encourages Girls to Envision Careers in Math and Science
'Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day? inspires middle-school students
for 10th consecutive year
Program sparks students′ curiosity in science, technology, engineering
and math
More than 7,000 students have participated in ExxonMobil-sponsored
activities since the program began in 2003
ExxonMobil to host hundreds students at 16 company locations
The ExxonMobil
Foundation is collaborating with the National
Engineers Week Foundation for the 10th consecutive year
to host Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day at 16 company locations
across the United States. The program promotes interest in engineering
among middle-school students and helps reduce the gender gap in science,
technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields.
'We can inspire our nation′s youth to pursue STEM careers by capturing
their interest at an early age,? said Suzanne McCarron, president of the
ExxonMobil Foundation. 'Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day helps young
women gain self-confidence and an appreciation for the engineering
profession by learning from role models and taking part in engaging math
and science activities.?
ExxonMobil employees will lead fun, hands-on activities that connect
math and science to everyday life and reinforce classroom instruction.
Activities include water-purification experiments, energy-industry
demonstrations using 3D technology to search for oil and natural gas and
exploring the science of manufacturing cosmetics.
'The National Engineers Week Foundation is committed to helping students
-- especially girls who are underrepresented in engineering and
technology -- discover engineering and how it helps the world,? said
Leslie Collins, executive director, National Engineers Week Foundation.
'Our partnership with the ExxonMobil Foundation enables thousands of
youth to envision a fulfilling future through a career in engineering.?
The need to engage girls in math and science studies, and eventually
careers, is critical. The National Science Foundation estimates that 80
percent of jobs in the next decade will require math and science
knowledge. The Congressional Joint Economic Committee reports that women
represent just 14 percent of engineers and comprise only 27 percent of
mathematics and computer-science professionals.
Programs like Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day are helping more young
women gain the knowledge and skills associated with STEM careers to
alleviate the workforce deficit.
More than 7,000 students have participated in ExxonMobil-sponsored
science and math activities since the program began in 2003.
About the ExxonMobil Foundation
The ExxonMobil Foundation is the primary philanthropic arm of Exxon
Mobil Corporation in the United States. The foundation and the
corporation engage in a range of philanthropic activities that advance
education, health and science in the communities where ExxonMobil has
significant operations. In the United States, ExxonMobil supports
initiatives to improve math and science education at the K-12 and higher
education levels. In 2011, together with its employees and retirees,
Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM), its divisions and affiliates, and
the ExxonMobil Foundation provided $278 million in contributions
worldwide, of which $120 million was dedicated to education. www.exxonmobil.com/community.
About National Engineers Week
National Engineers Week (eweek.org), founded in 1951 by the National
Society of Professional Engineers, is dedicated to ensuring a diverse
and well-educated future engineering workforce by increasing
understanding of and interest in engineering and technology careers
among young students and by promoting pre-college literacy in math and
science. Engineers Week also raises public understanding and
appreciation of engineers' contributions to society and is among the
oldest of America's professional outreach efforts. For more information
please visit www.eweek.org.
ExxonMobil
Media Advisor, 972-444-1107
