Oil Patch Bits: ExxonMobil college grant boosts female engineers

ExxonMobil Foundation said April 16 that it contributed a $1 million grant to Spellman College to provide scholarships to black women pursuing technology-related degrees. The Women in Science and Engineering Scholars program is the second contribution from the company to help facilitate the recruitment, retention and graduation of black females pursuing degrees in chemistry, physics, mathematics and computer science. “ExxonMobil has had a long-term commitment to science and mathematics education and supports educational initiatives to encourage the next generation of engineering scholars,” said Gerald McElvy, president, ExxonMobil Foundation. “As our country continues to diversify and grow, our goal is to promote awareness of the many opportunities for those who hold engineering degrees and to provide the skills needed for students to be successful, especially for the underrepresented sector of women engineering professionals.” Six students pursuing a major in one of the targeted physical science or mathematics disciplines will be selected annually as ExxonMobil Scholars. For more information visit www.exxonmobil.com.