ExxonMobil works to introduce girls to engineering careers

National Engineers Week and the ExxonMobil Foundation are working together for the ninth straight year to present "Introduce a Girl to Engineering."

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ExxonMobil Foundation is collaborating with National Engineers Week for the ninth consecutive year to present “Introduce a Girl to Engineering,” where ExxonMobil employees will host students at 13 company locations across the country. The program seeks to promote curiosity among middle school students, and help shrink the gender gap in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields.  

“We can inspire our nation’s youth to pursue STEM careers by capturing their interest at an early age,” said Suzanne McCarron, president, ExxonMobil Foundation. “By building confidence through role models and engaging activities, our program helps address STEM career stereotypes and allows young women to explore and appreciate the engineering profession.” ExxonMobil employees will lead fun hands-on activities that connect math and science to real life while also reinforcing classroom instruction. Example activities include demonstrations on how the energy industry uses 3D technology to search for oil and natural gas; water purification experiments; bridge-building with straws; exploring the science of manufacturing cosmetics; and panel discussions with ExxonMobil engineers.

“National Engineers Week is committed to getting kids engaged in math and science, especially girls who are not well represented in these fields,” said Leslie Collins, executive director of National Engineers Week. “It’s because of the outstanding support and partnership from the ExxonMobil Foundation and ExxonMobil employees that we are able introduce thousands of young students to a fulfilling future in engineering.”

The need to engage girls in math and science studies, and eventually careers, is critical. According to the National Science Foundation, women make up half of the workforce, yet hold only 13 percent of engineering jobs.

More than 4,000 students have participated in math and science activities conducted at ExxonMobil facilities or had a classroom visit from a company volunteer since ExxonMobil began the program more than a decade ago.