DENVER, June 23, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Education Commission of the States (ECS) will present ExxonMobil with the 2011 ECS Corporate Award for the company's leadership and investment in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education. The award will be presented by Colorado Governor and ECS Chair John Hickenlooper at the 2011 ECS National Forum on Education Policy in Denver on July 7.
ExxonMobil's support of STEM education seeks to improve the performance of U.S. students compared to their international peers. A recent report from the Organization for Economic Cooperation & Development indicates that of 34 leading industrialized countries, U.S. students rank 21 in math and 13 in science. ExxonMobil has maintained a long-term commitment to improving student competitiveness in these subjects and in 2010 alone, invested more than $42 million for STEM education.
"America's long-term success depends on innovation and technology. If our nation is to remain competitive we must equip students with a solid foundation in math and science," said Rex W. Tillerson, chairman and chief executive officer of Exxon Mobil Corporation. "A cornerstone of our corporate citizenship efforts is advancing education, especially programs that encourage more student interest in these subjects. This is a goal we share with ECS members, making this award a very special honor to our company and employees who are committed to this cause."
The ECS Corporate Award honors organizations and corporations that have demonstrated a sustained commitment to, and investment in, improving public education, particularly efforts that reach those not currently well-served by the education system.
"ExxonMobil has made real strides in tackling the problem that too few students, especially women and minorities, end up in STEM careers," said ECS president Roger Sampson. "The company's multi-pronged approach will help America become more globally competitive."
ExxonMobil focuses on education initiatives that motivate students to perform well in math and science, take an interest in careers related to these subjects, support the development of highly qualified math and science teachers and provide educators with professional development.
Among ExxonMobil's signature STEM programs:
- The National Math and Science Initiative (NSMI) is a non-profit organization ExxonMobil helped found that works to prepare talented students and teachers in science, technology, engineering and math by replicating proven programs with quantifiable results - such as the Advanced Placementand Pre-Advanced Placement Training and Incentives Programs' and UTeach.
- The ExxonMobil Bernard Harris Summer Science Camp is a series of all- expense-paid, two-week residential camps at 25 college campuses that offer middle school students innovative programs to enhance knowledge in STEM.
Other signature programs include the Mickelson ExxonMobil Teachers Academy designed to hone math and science teaching skills of third- through fifth-grade teachers and the Sally Ride Science Academy brought to you by ExxonMobil that educates elementary and middle school teachers and counselors on the importance of introducing young students to STEM careers and provides pathways to incorporate STEM career awareness in the classroom.
The ECS Corporate Award was created under the leadership of former Wyoming Governor Jim Geringer, the 1999-2000 ECS chair.
ECS is the only nationwide, nonpartisan interstate compact devoted to education. Since 1965, ECS has helped governors, legislators, state education officials and others identify, develop and implement public policies to improve student learning at all levels. A nonprofit organization, ECS is located in Denver, Colorado.
www.ecs.org
SOURCE Education Commission of the States
