• Programs to increase college readiness and advance math and science skills
• Independent school districts in Midland and Ector County in Texas and Carlsbad Municipal School District in New Mexico to implement classroom-based and virtual programs
• Programs shown to improve Advanced Placement® exam performance

Two core programs will come to the Permian region, including the College Readiness Program — a comprehensive, three-year program designed to increase student participation and performance in Advanced Placement® coursework in math, science, computer science and English.

The second program, called Laying the Foundation, provides educators of 3rd through 12th grade students with hands-on training, strategies and resources to raise academic rigor and prepare students for advanced critical and creative thinking. The programs will start in the 2020-21 academic year and can be implemented in both classroom-based and virtual settings.

“ExxonMobil is one of the largest oil and gas operators in the Permian Basin, and we’ve heard from parents and educators that these programs would make a difference for their students and children,” said Bart Cahir, senior vice president of unconventional at ExxonMobil. “Through our association with the National Math and Science Initiative, we’ve been able to increase the value we bring to communities where we operate by strengthening opportunities for today’s students and generations to come.”

ExxonMobil helped launch NMSI in 2007 to improve math and science education across the United States. Schools that implement NMSI programs have been shown to improve Advanced Placement® exam performance up to five times greater than the national average and improve teacher capacity to advance student achievement at all levels. Since its founding, NMSI has helped two million students and more than 65,000 teachers.

“Proficiency in math and science is crucial to our country’s capacity for innovation and future economic growth, yet a growing number of today’s students lack foundational knowledge and skills in these subjects,” said Dr. Bernard A Harris, Jr., chief executive officer of the National Math and Science Initiative and the first Black astronaut to complete a spacewalk. “With ExxonMobil’s generous support, we’re able to continue addressing this critical gap by expanding to school districts in the Permian region.”

NMSI programs include collaboration and goal setting with partner schools, intensive teacher training and support from expert educators, student study resources, lab and classroom supplies, exam subsidies and greater access to advanced courses to broaden student participation, particularly among Black, Latino, female and military-dependent students. The nonprofit organization uses evidenced-based programming and has expanded its online training and resources to support teachers, students and families during the COVID-19 pandemic.

ExxonMobil has a long history of support for communities where it operates. Earlier this year, ExxonMobil supported the West Texas Food Bank and the Carlsbad Municipal School District to help those facing difficult economic circumstances during the COVID-19 pandemic. ExxonMobil is a founding member of the Permian Strategic Partnership, an alliance of 19 energy companies, working in partnership with community leaders to address public education, health care, housing, infrastructure and workforce development.