HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--ExxonMobil Foundation and Dr. Bernard A. Harris, Jr., the first African-American to walk in space, are partnering for the sixth consecutive year to provide more than 1,200 middle school youth with a fun, engaging math and science experience this summer at no cost to students.
The ExxonMobil Bernard Harris Summer Science Camps will be hosted by 25 universities across the country. One of the largest programs of its kind, these camps offer students the unique opportunity to replace the lazy days of summer with field work, experiments and team-based competitions. Each activity is designed to spur interest in math and science and reach students from school districts around the country.
“Throughout the camp experience, we focus on the exciting and valuable applications of math and science as well as the important role education will play in these students’ lives as they work to reach their goals,” said Dr. Harris. “It is my hope that students will be inspired to begin thinking about careers in science and technology fields that offer excellent and rewarding opportunities for their future.”
Students live on campus during the two-week camp and participate in daily classes taught by university faculty and secondary teachers. The camp features a student-centered, inquiry-based curriculum with a focus on natural science, engineering, mathematics and technology.
“ExxonMobil is committed to inspiring the next generation of innovators who are capable of solving the world’s most complex technology challenges,” said Suzanne McCarron, president, ExxonMobil Foundation. “These camps help foster a life-long love of math and science, and give students the tools to attain a brighter future.”
Since 2006, more than 5,500 students from across the country have participated in ExxonMobil Bernard Harris Summer Science Camps.
To be eligible, students must be entering sixth, seventh or eighth grades in the fall of 2011.
For additional information regarding application requirements and submission instructions, please visit ExxonMobil Bernard Harris Summer Science Camp website: www.theharrisfoundation.org.
In 2011, camps will operate at the following locations:
| AISES/University of New Mexico (Albuquerque, NM) |
| Central State University (Wilberforce, OH) |
| Florida A&M University (Tallahassee, FL) |
| Howard University (Washington, DC) |
| Lamar University (Beaumont, TX) |
| New Jersey Institute of Technology (Newark, NJ) |
| Northeastern University (Boston, MA) |
| Oregon State University (Corvallis, OR) |
| Prairie View A&M University (Prairie View, TX) |
| Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (Troy, NY) |
| Southern University (Baton Rouge, LA) |
| Southwestern Oklahoma State University (Weatherford, OK) |
| Temple University (Philadelphia, PA) |
| Texas Tech University (Lubbock, TX) |
| University of Alaska Anchorage (Anchorage, AK) |
| University of Arkansas at Little Rock (Little Rock, AR) |
| University of Houston (Houston, TX) |
| University of Oklahoma (Norman, OK) |
| University of South Alabama (Mobile, AL) |
| University of Southern California (Los Angeles, CA) |
| University of Texas at Arlington (Arlington, TX) |
| University of Texas-Pan American (Edinburg, TX) |
| University of Virginia (Charlottesville, VA) |
| University of Wyoming (Laramie, WY) |
|
Worcester Polytechnic Institute (Worcester, MA) |
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, promote women as catalysts for economic development, and combat malaria and other infectious diseases in developing countries. In 2009, together with its employees and retirees, Exxon Mobil Corporation, its divisions and affiliates, and ExxonMobil Foundation provided $235 million in contributions worldwide, of which more than $98 million was dedicated to education. Additional information on ExxonMobil’s community partnerships and contributions programs is available at www.exxonmobil.com/community.
About The Harris Foundation
Founded in 1998, The Harris Foundation is a 501 (c) (3), non-profit organization based in Houston, Texas, whose overall mission is to invest in community-based initiatives to support education, health and wealth. The foundation supports programs that empower individuals, in particular minorities and economically and/or socially disadvantaged, to recognize their potential and pursue their dreams.
The Education Mission of the Harris Foundation is to enable youth to develop and achieve their full potential through the support of social, recreational, and educational programs. The Harris Foundation believes that students can be prepared now for the careers of the future through a structured education program and the use of positive role models. To date, more than 15,000 students have participated and benefited from THF programs. www.theharrisfoundation.org