ExxonMobil Employees Inspire Girls to Pursue Future in Engineering
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Introduce a Girl to Engineering program inspires students to
choose careers in engineering -
ExxonMobil employees will lead interactive experiments with more than
1,000 students -
Program associated with Girl Day, an initiative designed to show how
engineers can change the world
IRVING, Texas–(BUSINESS WIRE)–In association with its ongoing “Be
an Engineer” initiative, ExxonMobil
is inspiring girls to explore coursework and careers in engineering
through its 14th annual Introduce a Girl to Engineering
Day program. This year’s program will engage more than 1,000
middle-school girls across the country in a hands-on approach that
allows students to experience the excitement of being an engineer.
“It’s critical that students can appreciate at an early age the
contributions they can make toward advancing next-generation
technologies and enhancing quality of life,” said Ben Soraci,
ExxonMobil’s general manager of public and government affairs.
“ExxonMobil’s participation in the Introduce a Girl to Engineering program
is one way we can help inspire girls and highlight the exciting
opportunities available to them if they choose to pursue this rewarding
profession.”
Employees at 10 ExxonMobil and XTO Energy facilities in the United
States will mentor students and guide them through hands-on activities
that range from water purification experiments to exploring the
manufacturing of household products. More than 13,000 students have
participated in activities conducted at company facilities since the
program’s inception.
According to the National Science Foundation, while women make up about
half of the college-educated U.S. workforce, they account for only 15
percent of practicing engineers. Less than 20 percent of bachelor’s
degrees in engineering are awarded to women.
Introduce a Girl to Engineering is part of a
series of efforts by ExxonMobil dedicated to encouraging more young
people, and particularly girls and underrepresented minorities, to
pursue engineering careers. The program is affiliated with Girl Day, DiscoverE’s
worldwide campaign to introduce girls to the fascinating world of
engineering.
About ExxonMobil
Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM), the largest publicly traded
international oil and gas company, uses technology and innovation to
help meet the world’s growing energy needs. ExxonMobil engages in a
range of philanthropic activities that advance education, with a focus
on math and science in the United States, promote women as catalysts for
economic development, and combat malaria. In 2015, together with its
employees and retirees, ExxonMobil, its divisions and affiliates, and
the ExxonMobil Foundation provided $268 million in contributions
worldwide. Additional information on ExxonMobil’s community partnerships
and contribution programs is available at www.exxonmobil.com/community.
About DiscoverE
DiscoverE is leading a growing volunteer movement that inspires and
informs present and future generations to discover engineering. Our
network of volunteers in the U.S. and abroad is drawn from the DiscoverE
coalition of more than 100 professional societies, major corporations
and government agencies. Together we meet a vital need: introducing
students, parents, and educators to engineering, engaging them in
hands-on engineering experiences and making science and math relevant.
For more information, visit www.discovere.org.
Contacts
ExxonMobil
Media Relations, 972-444-1107
