Girls Explore Exciting Opportunities, Problem-Solving at 'ExxonMobil Family Math & Science Night'

Encouraging more women to pursue higher education and careers in math, science and engineering, ExxonMobil and Girls Incorporated of Metropolitan Dallas (Girls Inc.) hosted the ExxonMobil Family Math and Science Night on Tuesday, November 13 at the Girls Inc. Love Field Center. The entertainment-filled event, which was part of Girls Inc.’s Operation SMART (Science, Math And Relevant Technology) program, invited girls ages six through 11 and their families to participate in exciting math and science workshops and talk with ExxonMobil volunteers about their careers. In addition, teens in the Girls Inc. program led a "Women in Science” game show and "Parent Corners” provided additional activities and information for parents about preparing for college and helping their daughters explore these subjects. According to the National Science Foundation’s 2006 Science & Engineering Indicators report, college-educated women constitute only 26 percent of science and engineering occupations, even though they represent nearly half of the total U.S. workforce. "ExxonMobil has a long-term commitment to math and science education and proudly partners with organizations, such as Girls Inc., that showcase the interesting and exciting side of these fields,” said Truman Bell, senior program officer for education and diversity, ExxonMobil Foundation. "Through events such as ExxonMobil Family Math and Science Night, we hope to spark interest in math, science and engineering among young people while engaging their families to be actively involved in their child’s pursuit of education.” Educational experts report that middle school is the time when students begin connecting what they learn in school to potential careers. This includes developing lasting attitudes about their education, work and adult values, while exploring future and career options. "Girls Inc. encourages girls to be strong, smart and bold, and we think this certainly applies to the pursuit of studies and careers in math, science and engineering,” said Lori Palmer, interim CEO, Girls Inc. "We hope to make a lasting impact on girls and their families to ensure they continue to explore these valuable fields in the future.” Earlier this year, Girls Inc. honored ExxonMobil and Bell with the Girls Champion award for their work supporting women and girls in the quest to achieve their goals. Since 1991, ExxonMobil has contributed almost $440,000 in support of Girls Inc. and its programs. About ExxonMobil Foundation ExxonMobil Foundation is the primary philanthropic arm of the 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. 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 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. About Girls Incorporated of Metropolitan Dallas Girls Incorporated of Metropolitan Dallas is a nonprofit agency whose mission is to inspire all girls to be strong, smart and bold by empowering girls to take charge of their lives. Girls Inc. has served Dallas for 39 years and has six centers in Dallas’ most economically challenged neighborhoods. A variety of programs at the centers prepare girls to be self-sufficient, responsible members of the community. For more information, visit www.girlsincdallas.org or call (214) 654-4530.