National Math and Science Initiative

video: NMSI

ExxonMobil became a founding sponsor of the National Math and Science Initiative (NMSI) in 2007 and committed $125 million to support it. Since inception, NMSI has also attracted more than $32 million in funding from other organizations. NMSI was launched to improve math and science education by preparing talented students and teachers to enter the world of engineering, technology, and science. NMSI focuses on replicating proven programs with quantifiable results — such as the Advanced Placement (AP) and Pre-Advanced Placement Training and Incentives Programs™ and UTeach — through a competitive process and to ensure those programs are sustainable within five years.

NMSI has already proven to be successful. In 2008, enrollment in math, science, and English AP classes rose by nearly 60 percent in the 143 schools participating in the AP and Pre-AP Programs. UTeach provided full teaching certification to more than 70 undergraduate majors in math, science, and computer science. UTeach is currently being implemented at 13 universities across the country and enrollment is expected to total 5600 students over the next five years. About 70 percent of UTeach graduates are still teaching five or more years after entering the field, compared with less than 50 percent nationally.