3.02.2007 - 08:28am ET

(CSRwire) IRVING, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 2, 2007--Former astronaut Bernard Harris and the ExxonMobil Foundation have announced the 19 university campus locations that will host the 2007 ExxonMobil Bernard Harris Summer Science Camps this June through August. The two-week residential camps offer innovative programs which enhance middle school students' knowledge in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) while encouraging youth to stay in school and fostering leadership and citizenship. Each university will host one camp, except the University of Houston, which will be home to two camps. Together, the 20 camps will reach more than 1,000 students.

"With similar goals to improve education and career opportunities for disadvantaged students, particularly in the math and science fields, ExxonMobil is proud to join with Dr. Harris in support of this incredible educational opportunity," said Rex Tillerson, chairman and CEO of ExxonMobil. "Now, with 20 camps, the program is able to extend its reach nationwide, encouraging a diverse and talented group of young people to prepare for exciting opportunities in the STEM fields."

Studies have shown that the United States will face a critical shortage of engineers, scientists and other technically trained workers in the near future. To help address the nation's math and science crisis, ExxonMobil is committed to supporting programs and organizations that focus on improving math and science education from pre-school through higher education. The Company supports programs to increase the numbers of newly-graduating highly effective science and math teachers, provide professional development and training opportunities for teachers, and attract bright, talented students to pursue science and math-related disciplines in middle school, high school and college.

"Last year we were struck by the number of qualified applicants for fewer than 100 slots in our two camps in Houston and Oklahoma," said Harris, veteran of two space shuttle missions and the first African-American to conduct a space walk. "This year, with ExxonMobil's support, we will expand to universities and colleges across the country to give more talented students the opportunity to participate in the summer camp experience."

A unique aspect of the ExxonMobil Bernard Harris Summer Science Camp is that there is no fee for the campers. Instead, young people who are academically qualified, are recommended by their teachers, and are genuinely interested in math and science can be rewarded with the opportunity to attend these fun and educational camps.

During camp, the students will attend daily classes in natural science, engineering, mathematics and technology, and will be taught by the faculty of the participating universities and secondary classroom teachers. Activities include classroom study, experiments, individual/team/group projects, weekly field excursions and guest speakers who motivate the students into fulfilling their dreams.

For more information about campus activities, student eligibility and selection criteria, please visit the ExxonMobil Bernard Harris Summer Science Camp website at www.theharrisfoundation.org.

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 and combat malaria and other infectious diseases in developing countries. In 2006, Exxon Mobil Corporation, its divisions and affiliates, and ExxonMobil Foundation provided $139 million in contributions worldwide, with $54 million dedicated to education. Additional information on ExxonMobil's community partnerships and contributions programs is available at www.exxonmobil.com/community.

About Harris Foundation

Founded in 1998, The Harris Foundation (THF) 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. THF 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 for grades K-12. Through two primary initiatives -- the Bernard Harris Summer Science Camp and Dare to Dream -- the Foundation encourages math and science education, motivates youth to stay in school, fosters youth leadership and citizenship, as well as instills the values of responsibility, fairness and respect. To date, more than 2,500 K-12 students have participated and benefited from THF programs. www.theharrisfoundation.org

Attachment: List of 2007 ExxonMobil Bernard Harris Summer Science Camp locations.

ExxonMobil Bernard Harris Summer Science Camps 2007 University Locations

Bowie State University, Bowie, MD
Florida International University, Miami, FL
Howard University, Washington, D.C.
Lamar University, Beaumont, TX
New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ
North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University, Greensboro, NC
Northeastern University, Boston, MA
Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR
Prairie View A&M, Prairie View, TX
Southern University, Baton Rouge, LA
Southwest Oklahoma State University, Weatherford, OK
University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL
University of Houston, Houston, TX (1)
University of New Orleans, New Orleans, LA
University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK
University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
Washington University, St. Louis, MO

(1) NOTE: The University of Houston will host two camps.



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