• Grant promotes education and careers in science, technology, engineering and math
• ExxonMobil total support for SECME now more than $2.5 million

ExxonMobil has awarded a $300,000 grant to the Atlanta-based SECME - a non-profit alliance of universities, school districts, industrial and governmental organizations - to help promote education and career opportunities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) for young minority students.

“ExxonMobil believes it is critical to America’s future competitiveness to encourage U.S. students, in particular young women and under-represented minority groups, to pursue careers in science, technology, education and math,” said Truman Bell, senior program officer for education and diversity at ExxonMobil. “SECME has an established record of success in helping promote education and careers within the STEM fields.”

Michele Williams, interim executive director of SECME, said ExxonMobil has a strong history of support. “ExxonMobil continues to show its dedication toward assisting young minority students through this contribution,” said Williams. “We know the work done through SECME is making a difference in the lives of many young people each year, and the scope of our work is significantly increased through our continued relationship with ExxonMobil.”

Over the past 10 years, ExxonMobil has given more than $2.5 million to SECME to support its educational programs, including its Summer Institute for teachers; K-12 in-service professional development component; national and state program development; and ExxonMobil SECME Scholars. The 2009 ExxonMobil contribution will again support a summer teachers institute and other programs including a scholarship program for young people pursing engineering and related fields.

In surveys of graduating high school seniors who had participated in SECME, more than 90 percent said they planned to enroll in college and 50 percent said they will major in STEM related fields.