Diversity educational initiatives

Cynthia Reyna, 2008 recipient of the National Youth Award in Engineering and Mathematics from the Hispanic Heritage Foundation

We work to ensure that access to science, technology, engineering and mathematics education is made widely available, particularly to women and minorities in the United States. We continue to support the Hispanic Heritage Foundation, United Negro College Fund, American Indian College Fund, National Society of Black Engineers, Society of Women Engineers, Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers and the National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering. The Corporation also funded programs at universities and national associations to increase the enrollment of women and minority students in geoscience degree programs.

Learn more about our other education efforts.

International education initiatives
ExxonMobil strives to meet educational needs that are specific to individual countries. In the developing world, we focus on improving basic education and infrastructure. Local country affiliates evaluate local educational needs and make community investment decisions focusing on literacy, math and science, girls’ access to education and primary education.

For example, in Malaysia, geographical remoteness, absenteeism and high dropout rates are some of the educational challenges facing the children of the Orang Asli (“original peoples”) community. ExxonMobil worked with UNICEF Malaysia to publish a book based on Orang Asli folklore to teach children reading and writing skills. Besides preserving their cultural heritage, the use of traditional stories is aimed at igniting the children’s interest in learning and attending school. The book will be published in early 2009 and will benefit 94 Orang Asli schools, reaching about 13,000 students. Teachers at Orang Asli schools will be provided with training to help make teaching and learning fun for the children.

In Egypt, ExxonMobil is actively involved in education, child welfare and entrepreneur training. Through a three-year, $1 million grant to Save the Children’s Ishraq Program, 1,000 girls between the ages of 12 and 17 will be given a second chance at education. The program also offers social sessions to educate families about the importance of encouraging their daughters, sisters and wives to continue their education.

Supporting regional science competitions
ExxonMobil’s commitment to developing education programs around the world creates excitement in young students about working in the energy sector and other math and science- related careers.

• View case study: Economic development

France.
ExxonMobil has supported Les Olympiades de la Physique (Physics Olympics) over the past three years and Les Olympiades de la Chimie (Chemistry Olympics) for the last 20 years. The Olympics transform high-school students into researchers who must defend the scientific value of their work in front of a panel of professionals. Each year, over 2,500 students participate in about 27 regional competitions for the Chemistry Olympics; about 60 finalist teams participate in the national competition for the Physics Olympics.

Qatar.
ExxonMobil contributed to the first national GasNa competition organized by Qatar University’s Gas Processing Center. Based on age, students compete in the categories of poster, essay or scientific experiment. In 2008, 711 students, representing 111 schools, participated in the competition. Competitions such as this motivate students to enter the engineering field, boost the scientific capacity of the Qatari workforce and develop the country’s natural resource base.

Kuwait.
Kuwait’s first ever national science fair is being sponsored by ExxonMobil, Kuwait Energy Company, Kuwait Motor Sports Club and the Scientific Center. To generate student interest in math and science, the best 100 entries from over 150 high schools were invited to participate in the final competition in March 2009.

Kazakhstan.
ExxonMobil has supported the Zhautykov National Specialized Physics and Math High School in Kazakhstan since 2004. By updating the school’s computers and sponsoring English classes, we seek to improve the students’ ability to compete for placement in the best universities in the world. In 2008, we became one of three official sponsors of the school’s International Physics and Math Olympiad, which brings together over 200 participants from 16 countries. The Minister of Education officially recognized ExxonMobil’s continuous support of educational opportunities for Kazakh students.

Equatorial Guinea
In Equatorial Guinea, ExxonMobil is carrying out an ambitious project to provide IT laboratories and libraries to a vast segment of the community, with a focus on girls and students. This innovative project is directed at providing educational tools that will allow students to access globally available information and resources. In 2008, ExxonMobil engaged in the construction of five IT laboratories, including their equipment, a teaching program and technical training for implementation and maintenance.

Saudi Arabia
ExxonMobil Saudi Arabia continued to support the Foundation's Math and Science Summer Program, which brings together 40 to 60 high school juniors every summer from around the Kingdom to pursue advanced studies in math and sciences. In addition to academics, the program helps students develop critical thinking and personal skills and provides opportunities for students to exchange ideas and develop team building skills.