XOM Exxon Mobil Corp

The ExxonMobil Foundation and the Tavis Smiley Foundation, have formed a partnership to help develop greater interest and enthusiasm for leadership, science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) among minority students. The Tavis Smiley Foundation is a nonprofit organization focused on youth leadership development. Its founder, Tavis Smiley, is a nationally recognized TV and radio talk show host, who will promote the importance of these fields to more than 800 high school students in 10 cities across the nation during the "Talented Tenth High School Tour." At a high school in each city, Smiley and representatives of ExxonMobil will present a motivational lecture to 50 traditional and non-traditional student leaders selected to attend the event by their teachers and principals. The goal of the presentation is to enlighten, encourage and empower young people to develop the skills needed to become powerful leaders in their school and community. Smiley will incorporate the importance of math and science into his messages on leadership principles and ExxonMobil will provide students with a real life look on careers within the STEM areas. "ExxonMobil is excited about our partnership with the Tavis Smiley Foundation and the opportunity to expose hundreds of students to STEM," said Gerald McElvy, president of ExxonMobil Foundation. "In order for America to maintain its competitive edge, it is imperative that we expose greater number of students to engineering and other STEM-related fields. We want to inspire minority students to pursue the wonderful opportunities provided by a sound STEM-based education with good leadership skills." ExxonMobil and the Tavis Smiley Foundation formed their partnership to provide student enrichment in science, technology, engineering and mathematics and to encourage minority students who are not involved in traditional school activities to develop the skills needed to become leaders, specifically in the STEM career areas. "I've often said that the key to success for young people begins with exposure to opportunities, education, and ideas. This tour represents that exposure. We want to touch young people in a way that will help them decide what they will contribute to society," said Smiley. "It's essential that we reach out to students at an early age, otherwise, America will lose its preeminence in math, science and technology. Communities and corporations need to encourage students to become tomorrow's role models." The "Talented Tenth High School Tour," sponsored by ExxonMobil, which runs from September through November, will be conducted in: Washington, D.C.; Hampton, VA.; St. Louis; Los Angeles; Chicago; Jackson MS.; New Orleans; Brooklyn, NY; Atlanta; and Houston. About ExxonMobil Foundation ExxonMobil Foundation is the primary philanthropic arm of Exxon Mobil Corporation in the United States. The Foundation engages in a broad range of philanthropic activities focusing on the communities where ExxonMobil has significant operations. The Foundation also supports research and dissemination on selected topics of interest to the energy industry. Focus areas include education, health and the environment. In 2004, ExxonMobil Foundation, Exxon Mobil Corporation, and its divisions and affiliates provided $106.5 million in contributions worldwide, with more than $40 million dedicated to education. For more information, please visit www.exxonmobil.com. About Tavis Smiley Foundation The Tavis Smiley Foundation is a nonprofit organization founded in 1999 by Tavis Smiley to enlighten, encourage, and empower youth by providing leadership skills that will promote and enhance the quality of life for their lives, their community and the world. Since its inception, more than 3,000 youth have participated in the foundation's leadership workshops and conferences. The foundation is based in Los Angeles. For more information, visit www.youthtoleaders.org. Talented Tenth High School Tour Stops: -- 9/9/05 - Washington D.C., Anacostia High School -- 9/16/05 - Hampton, VA, Hampton High School -- 9/23/05 - St. Louis, MO, Beaumont High School -- 9/27/05 - Los Angeles, CA, Crenshaw High School -- 9/30/05 - Chicago, IL, Austin Community High School -- 10/13/05 - Jackson, MS, Callaway High School -- 10/14/05 - New Orleans, LA, George Washington Carver High School -- 10/21/05- Brooklyn, NY, Benjamin Banneker High School -- 11/4/05 - Atlanta, GA, Frederick Douglass High School -- 11/18/05 - Houston, TX, Booker T. Washington High School