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ExxonMobil Announces $10 Million Commitment to New Orleans Area Schools for Mathematics & Science Education; ExxonMobil Donations to Hurricane Katrina Relief and Recovery Increase to More Than $23 Million

Posted on: Wednesday, 19 July 2006, 12:00 CDT

The ExxonMobil Foundation will commit up to $10 million to enhance public school education in the Greater New Orleans area, bringing the Company's total commitment for relief and recovery efforts related to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita to more than $23 million. Rex Tillerson, chairman and chief executive officer, Exxon Mobil Corporation, said in New Orleans today that the ExxonMobil Foundation's donation will focus on programs to promote excellence in the teaching and learning of mathematics and science in New Orleans, St. Bernard Parish, and surrounding school districts affected by last year's devastating hurricanes.

"We believe the future of the Greater New Orleans area depends upon the rebuilding of schools to teach the skills needed for tomorrow's economy. As a science and knowledge based company, ExxonMobil recognizes the importance of strong math and science programs in our schools and the critical role that educators play in encouraging student's interests in these areas," said Tillerson. "This commitment to the Greater New Orleans area presents an opportunity to implement innovative practices in learning and teaching of math and science.

"It is our privilege to be able to help these schools and communities to rebuild stronger than ever," he told a group of education officials and math and science teachers.

ExxonMobil's donation is aimed at encouraging student's interests in mathematics and science and equipping teachers with the tools and resources they need to succeed in the classroom. Programs to be supported include some previously developed by the ExxonMobil Foundation, in conjunction with national math and science organizations, along with other innovative initiatives determined to be beneficial to the New Orleans area schools. The donation will specifically address:

-- Mathematics and science teacher recruiting and professional development;

-- Innovative programs aimed at improving student comprehension in mathematics and science;

-- Support of schools aimed at mathematics and science education.

"This commitment to math and science education by ExxonMobil will help our students and teachers prepare for the future of New Orleans," said Cecil J. Picard, Louisiana Superintendent of Education "We are rebuilding our facilities and recruiting the teachers as quickly as we can and appreciate the support we are receiving from the ExxonMobil Foundation. Corporations and foundations are critical to the success of this effort."

Exxon Mobil Corporation and ExxonMobil Foundation, the primary philanthropic arm of Exxon Mobil Corporation in the United States, engage in a range of philanthropic activities that advance education, health and public policy 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. Globally, ExxonMobil provides funding to improve basic education and combat malaria and other infectious diseases in developing countries. In 2005, Exxon Mobil Corporation, its divisions and affiliates, and the ExxonMobil Foundation provided $133 million in contributions worldwide, with $42 million dedicated to education. Additional information on ExxonMobil's community partnerships and contributions programs is available at http://www.exxonmobil.com/community.

Source: Business Wire

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