DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 9, 2006--According to the National Council of Research on Women, women make up nearly 50 percent of the U.S. workforce, but hold only 12 percent of science and engineering jobs in business and industry compared to their male counterparts. To help increase the number of young women who are interested in math and science, ExxonMobil and Girls Incorporated of Metropolitan Dallas (Girls Inc.) have formed a partnership to help encourage young women to consider careers in math and science fields at the ExxonMobil Family Math and Science Night. The event, which took place on November 8 at the Girls Inc. West Center, showcased math, science and technology projects, as well as hands-on activities and educational information for girls and their families.

"It is important that girls are aware of the numerous career opportunities a math and science education can hold for them," said Gerald McElvy, president of ExxonMobil Foundation. "We need to introduce these possibilities at a young age and help them tackle misconceptions about these fields. ExxonMobil is proud to be a sponsor and is a firm believer that the ExxonMobil Family Math and Science Night has opened minds and brought about excitement for many students."

The ExxonMobil Family Math and Science Night provides an educational experience for the family including math and science 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.

"The ability to help girls develop a healthy attitude and understanding of math, science and technology is central to ensuring that girls realize their full potential," said Ruth Thomas, chief executive officer, Girls Incorporated of Metropolitan Dallas. "Girls gain confidence, competence and comfort through programs like ExxonMobil Family Math and Science Night."

The family event is an Operation SMART (Science Math And Relevant Technology) program, which allows girls to explore all three areas through various activities. This year, ExxonMobil provided a $35,000 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. has served Dallas for 38 years and has six centers in Dallas' most economically challenged neighborhoods, serving more than 2,000 girls and over 31,000 families. A variety of nationally researched program curricula at the centers prepare girls to be self-sufficient, responsible members of the community. Girls Inc. is a United Way agency. For more information, visit www.girlsincdallas.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 2005, Exxon Mobil Corporation, its divisions and affiliates, and ExxonMobil Foundation provided $133 million in contributions worldwide, with $42 million dedicated to education. Additional information on ExxonMobil's community partnerships and contributions programs is available at www.exxonmobil.com/community.

Copyright Business Wire 2006

ExxonMobil

ExxonMobil

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