Dream Tour visits Africa

The Dream Tour presented by ExxonMobil recently visited Angola, Nigeria and South Africa to encourage more than 1,000 students to reach their dreams by studying science, technology, engineering and math.

“The knowledge required to be successful in STEM careers crosses all geographic borders, cultures and languages,” Dr. Bernard Harris said.

As part of the tour, ExxonMobil and Dr. Harris donated $20,000 to the Clube de Jovens Amigos do Inglês to fund the expansion of the English-language math and science reference sections at the Rosa Parks Center for Information and Culture in Cazenga, Angola. They also presented another $20,000 to the Science Teachers Association of Nigeria to provide new equipment for its STEM Research Center in Lagos.

“ExxonMobil took Dr. Harris to Africa so students can hear firsthand his powerful and inspiring message about the importance of education and following your dreams,” said ExxonMobil Foundation President Suzanne McCarron.

Throughout the tour, Dr. Harris met with community leaders, educators, key policymakers and students to discuss the need for strong STEM initiatives and the positive effects they have on their communities.

The Dream Tour’s African visit is one of many investments the ExxonMobil Foundation makes to assist African communities in enriching the education of their young people, fostering economic development, and improving health and wellness. Since the program's launch in 2008, The Dream Tour, with financial support from the ExxonMobil Foundation, has impacted the lives of more than 60,000 students.

The ExxonMobil Foundation also works with Dr. Harris on ExxonMobil Bernard Harris Summer Science Camps, which offer more than 1,200 students across the country the opportunity to attend two-week, all-expenses-paid residential camps at colleges and universities that provide hands-on activities focused on STEM principles.