ExxonMobil Foundation Invests in Women in STEM Education through $1 Million Grant to Spelman College

Strategic Insights -

The ExxonMobil Foundation has announced a $1 million grant to Spelman College to support scholarships for black women pursuing technology-related degrees. The Women in Science and Engineering Scholars program aims to promote awareness of opportunities in engineering and provide skills needed for success, particularly for underrepresented women in engineering professions. The program will select six students annually to receive scholarships, internships, and research opportunities with ExxonMobil or other research-active organizations.

Key Takeaways:

  • The ExxonMobil Foundation has a long-term commitment to science and mathematics education, with a focus on promoting awareness of opportunities in engineering and providing skills for success, particularly for underrepresented women.
  • The Women in Science and Engineering Scholars program will provide scholarships, internships, and research opportunities to six students annually, selected from a pool of high school seniors with a minimum GPA of 3.5 and SAT scores of 1,650 or higher.
  • The program is part of a broader effort by ExxonMobil to encourage students, specifically women and minorities, to develop a keen interest in careers in math and science through initiatives such as the National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering and the Society of Women Engineers.
  • Spelman College has a strong track record of producing black female leaders in science and engineering, with over 79% of graduates going on to earn doctoral degrees in these fields.
  • The ExxonMobil Foundation's philanthropic activities aim to advance education, health, and science in the communities where ExxonMobil has significant operations, with a focus on promoting math and science education at the K-12 and higher education levels.
  • In 2008, ExxonMobil provided $225 million in contributions worldwide, with over $89 million dedicated to education initiatives.

Statistics:

  • $1 million: The value of the ExxonMobil Foundation's grant to support scholarships for black women pursuing technology-related degrees.
  • 6: The number of students selected annually for the Women in Science and Engineering Scholars program.
  • 3.5: The minimum GPA required for applicants.
  • 1,650: The minimum SAT score required for applicants.
  • 79%: The graduation rate of Spelman College students.
  • 83%: The percentage of full-time faculty members at Spelman College with Ph.D.s or other terminal degrees.
  • 12:1: The faculty to student ratio at Spelman College.
  • 2,100: The number of students attending Spelman College.
  • $225 million: The total value of contributions provided by ExxonMobil worldwide in 2008, with over $89 million dedicated to education initiatives.

Sources:

  • ExxonMobil Foundation press release, citing Gerald McElvy, president, ExxonMobil Foundation.
  • Spelman College website, citing Beverly Daniel Tatum, president, Spelman College.
  • Journal of Mathematics, citing the ExxonMobil Foundation's philanthropic activities.
  • ExxonMobil website, citing the company's community partnerships and contributions programs.