XOM Exxon Mobil Corp

ExxonMobil and Girls Incorporated of Metropolitan Dallas (Girls Inc.) are encouraging young women to consider careers in math and science fields by providing early exposure and hands-on experience at the ExxonMobil Family Math and Science Night. This family event is an Operation SMART (Science Math And Relevant Technology) program, which allows girls to explore all three areas through various activities. According to the National Council of Research on Women, women constitute 45 percent of the workforce in the U.S., but hold only 12 percent of science and engineering jobs in business and industry. In 2003, males represented three-fourths of those who took the SAT test and planned to major in computer science and engineering. "It is important that girls are aware of the opportunities in math and science and understand that, like many before them, women have pioneered significant advancements such as the car heater, windshield wipers, and a medical syringe," said Gerald McElvy, president of ExxonMobil Foundation. "It is never too early to begin planning for their future, and programs like Operation SMART and the ExxonMobil Family Math and Science Night put this planning process in motion." The ExxonMobil Family Math and Science Night provides an educational experience for the family including math, science and preschool stations that engage children of all ages in interesting projects and experiments. These stations allow the girls and their siblings to explore, ask questions and solve problems in these fields. Additionally, parents will receive information on a variety of topics such as studying techniques, tips for communicating with teachers and how to use household items as learning tools. "At Girls Inc., we create an environment that allows girls to develop their skills, discover their potential and take responsibility for their future," said Ruth Thomas, chief executive officer, Girls Incorporated of Metropolitan Dallas. "This is accomplished through extensive programs like ExxonMobil Family Math and Science Night. We appreciate ExxonMobil's support of programs that encourage the study of math and science among young women and enjoy working beside their volunteers." This year, ExxonMobil provided a $25,000 grant for Operation SMART projects which support the company's effort to improve education by creating an awareness of math and science-based career opportunities for women and minorities. About Girls Incorporated of Metropolitan Dallas Girls Incorporated of Metropolitan Dallas is a nonprofit agency whose mission is to empower girls to take charge of their lives. Girls Inc. operates six centers in Dallas' most economically challenged neighborhoods and provides a safe haven and accredited education programming for more than 2,000 girls annually after school and all day during the summer. In 2004, Girls Inc. reached 32,900 girls, their families and community members through outreach programs in schools and community locations. Additional information about Girls Inc. is available at www.girlsincdallas.org. About ExxonMobil Foundation ExxonMobil Foundation is the primary philanthropic arm of the Exxon Mobil Corporation in the United States. The Foundation engages in a broad range of philanthropic activities focusing on the communities where Exxon Mobil Corporation has significant operations. In 2004, ExxonMobil Foundation, Exxon Mobil Corporation, and its divisions and affiliates provided $106.5 million in contributions worldwide, with $40 million dedicated to education.