higher education

Our higher education initiatives focus on supporting programs that improve teaching and learning in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.  In addition, we support programs that seek to improve career opportunities for minorities and women.  In 2006, ExxonMobil provided more than $35 million worldwide to colleges, universities and other organizations that support higher education. Of this amount, $31 million benefited higher education within the United States.

ExxonMobil ensures that access to engineering education is made available to people of all groups, including minorities and women. We helped found the National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering (NACME) more than 30 years ago and our executives have sat on the board for most of this time.  NACME has the goal of leading the national effort to increase the representation of minority men and women in engineering and technology, math and science-based careers. In 2006, ExxonMobil continued our long-term support of NACME and has now provided more than $10 million in direct financial support, making us the largest all- time contributor.

In the U.S., more than $1.7 million was provided to more than 809 colleges and universities for use by academic departments and are unrestricted for educational use. In the U.K. and France, funds were directed to engineering and geoscience programs at targeted universities. In Canada, we are continuing support for a Center for Education in Mathematics and Science at the University of Victoria.

Through the ExxonMobil Foundation, the U.S. Educational Matching Gift Program encourages and assists ExxonMobil employees and retirees in their personal giving to higher education by providing a $3-for-$1 matching program. In 2006, we granted more than $21.3 million in matching funds to more than 900 colleges and universities, the United Negro College Fund, the Hispanic Scholarship Fund, and the American Indian College Fund.