Furthering the Cause

NEW YORK -- ConocoPhillips and ExxonMobil Corp. announced donations yesterday that further their ongoing commitments to math and science education. Exxon also announced a $50,000 contribution to the Lena Pope Home to support a comprehensive range of services, including family preservation, counseling, alternative education and foster care to meet the behavioral and healthcare needs of the community.

ConocoPhillips is partnering with the National Energy Education Development (NEED) Project to provide America's teachers with training and resources on key energy topics. Beginning later this month, ConocoPhillips will sponsor 24 energy education workshops in communities across the United States.

These seminars are designed to equip K-12 teachers with tools to improve their students' energy knowledge and encourage classroom dialogue about energy.

ConocoPhillips also will sponsor training opportunities for educators through workshops at national and regional educator conferences.

"ConocoPhillips believes that the science of energy is an important topic for our nation's education system, and is pleased to join the NEED Project to provide training and resources to help energy become a part of America's classrooms," Jim Mulva, ConocoPhillips chairman and chief executive officer, said in a statement. "As part of our company's long-standing commitment to education, we believe it is vital that we prepare today's students for careers in math and science, to ensure the efficient use of our natural resources now and in the future."

ExxonMobil, meanwhile, is supporting three collegiate Formula SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) open-wheel racing teams in 2008. The sponsorships will support student racing teams at Duke University, Louisiana State University (LSU) and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute as they compete in the Formula SAE competition.

"ExxonMobil uses technology and innovation in every element of its business, and with sponsorships like these, we are able to support programs that encourage students to engage in activities and studies involving math and science," stated T.J. Wojnar Jr., manager of Global Logistics Optimization, ExxonMobil Refining & Supply.

The Formula SAE competition attracts more than 140 schools and thousands of students annually. Student teams design and build a prototype race car that could be produced and marketed. The competition is judged based on on-track performance, design, cost and marketing. The team that creates the best overall package wins, the company said.

The Duke University team will receive sponsorship funds, fuel, various oils and grease for its 2008 racing team. The donations will allow the team to invest in new technologies, as well as better fabrication equipment.

The LSU team will receive sponsorship funds, and various oils and grease for its 2008 racing team.

The Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute's racing team will receive a donation of lubricating fluids including motor oil, transmission fluid, differential fluids and grease for the team's 2008 season.

In other Exxon news, chairman and CEO Rex Tillerson presented a $50,000 check to the Lena Pope Home in Fort Worth, Texas, which he said is "known throughout the area for its years of commitment to family support and preservation…We are delighted to provide Lena Pope Home with this gift so they may continue their proud history."

Lena Pope Home served more than 20,000 children and families in 2006.

Exxon went through a considerable selection process to decide which local area organization would receive funds for the 2007 holidays, Tillerson said in a statement. Last year, the company supported St. Philip's School and Community Center in South Dallas.

X
This ad will auto-close in 10 seconds