ExxonMobil Engineers Encourage Girls to See Future in Math and Science
More than 2,500 students to attend “Introduce a Girl to Engineering” events at facilities nationwide
- Program aims to spark curiosity in science, technology, engineering and math careers
- More than 450 ExxonMobil employees will serve as role models, lead hands-on activities
- Since 2003, nearly 10,000 students have participated in activities at ExxonMobil facilities
IRVING, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- For the 11th consecutive year, the ExxonMobil Foundation will offer “Introduce a Girl to Engineering” activities at ExxonMobil sites around the country.
More than 450 ExxonMobil employees will host over 2,500 middle-school students at 16 locations to increase interest in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields as part of the Girl Day initiative by DiscoverE, formerly known as the National Engineers Week Foundation.
“In order to increase interest in STEM careers, especially among girls, it is vital that we provide opportunities for interaction with successful STEM professionals,” said Suzanne McCarron, president of the ExxonMobil Foundation. “Through ‘Introduce a Girl to Engineering’ activities, ExxonMobil hopes to engage girls early in their education in order to dispel common misconceptions that prevent women from pursuing fulfilling careers in math and science.”
Through the program, ExxonMobil employees will lead fun, hands-on activities connecting math and science to real-life applications, while also reinforcing classroom instruction. Activities will include demonstrations on the energy industry’s use of 3D technology to search for oil and natural gas as well as water purification, bridge building and other science-related experiments.
Attracting girls to math and science, and ultimately STEM careers, is critical to ensuring that the growing technological needs of the United States can be met. According to the 2013 Economic and Statistics Administration Report, women comprise half of the U.S. workforce, but hold fewer than 25 percent of STEM jobs and only 14 percent of engineering positions.
Since ExxonMobil began hosting “Introduce a Girl to Engineering” events more than a decade ago, nearly 10,000 students have participated in activities conducted at company facilities or through classroom demonstrations.
To follow the Twitter conversation about this year’s Girl Day, use the hashtag #GirlDay2014.
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 2012, together with its employees and retirees, Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM), its divisions and affiliates, and the ExxonMobil Foundation provided $256 million in contributions worldwide, of which $116 million was dedicated to education www.exxonmobil.com.
About DiscoverE
DiscoverE, formerly National Engineers Week Foundation, was founded in 1951 by the National Society of Professional Engineers and 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. DiscoverE 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.discovere.org.
ExxonMobil
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Source: Exxon Mobil Corporation
Released February 20, 2014